Actor had worked for real mobsters early in his career.

Reader Blind – Old Hollywood

There have been endless conspiracy theories and allegations of foul play but the true cause of death of this actor who if rating by today’s standards would be a B- is far less exotic.

In keeping with his thuggish image (which included run ins with the police and a reputation with women), the actor had worked for real mobsters early in his career. He had been badly beaten up in one point with brass knuckles used.

The condition that killed him was a result of an old injury from this.

The fact his body was not examined for a number of days after his death has fed conjecture.

Steve Cochran

On June 15, 1965, at the age of 48, Cochran died on his yacht off the coast of Guatemala, reportedly owing to an acute lung infection. His body, along with three Mexican females aged 14, 19 and 25, remained aboard for 10 days since the girls did not know how to operate the boat. It drifted to shore in Port Champerico, Guatemala, and was found by authorities. The newspaper report says that

“Cochran became ill on June 14 and died two days later”

according to the witnesses. There were various rumors of foul play and poisoning, but reportedly no evidence was found. Cochran’s widow was given half of his estate of $25,000. She shared it with his daughter by another marriage. – Source