Tragic Death Renews Awareness of Peter Falk’s Law

In my household, growing up, we were cop and detective show people. The 1970s was flush (an understatement) with the genre, and I'm pretty sure we took them all in. One of my family's favorites was and is Columbo, starring legendary Emmy-winning actor Peter Falk, who gave life to one of the most memorable characters in television history.

Peter Falk's Death

When Falk passed away in 2011 from pneumonia, he'd also been suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Sadly, his death did not come without heavy emotional controversy as his second wife kept Falk's daughters, Catherine and Jacqueline, away from him while he was dying, that is until a judge granted them permission. After his passing, Catherine told Inside Edition that she had been banned from attending his funeral.

Jacqueline Falk's Death and Peter Falk's Law

Earlier this week, Jacqueline Falk (Jackie) took her own life, and in the wake of this tragedy, there's been a renewed focus on Peter Falk's Law, legislation that has been passed in 15 states, including Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee, that prevents family members from being kept away from their loved ones on their deathbed. Also known as the Catherine Falk Organization Act, the law was drafted for each state in which it is active. While the wording differs, the crux of the law is the same across the board.

When I first researched the enactment of the law, only 10 states were mentioned as having moved forward with it. And then, after more digging, I learned of five more. It's too important a law for everyone; here's hoping for its eventual enactment throughout the rest of the country.