Michael Madsen was recently sober before death when he fought against alcoholism

Michael Madsen Made enormous progress in his recovery of alcoholism … until just before his tragic death.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … Madsen has been sober in recent months and made a consistent and brave effort to reverse his life. But those who are close to him remain uncertain about his state of mind in the days prior to his death. Everyone around him hoped and believed that he was still working on his program.

The beloved actor spent years in and out of rehabilitation programs while he fought against alcohol addiction … while also struggling with depression and struggling with personal hardships, like a restless marriage – and his Son’s early death. We are told that he was constantly in and out of phases to get his alcoholism under control.

Despite his obstacles, Madsen always tried to extend a helping hand by guiding others with similar problems in a Malibu repair facility.

As we reported … The star “Kill Bill” was no longer responded to his Malibu house last Thursday and was wax Death pronounced on the spot. His representative told us that he suffered a cardiac arrest, while an official cause of death has not been released.

From now on it is unclear whether he had drunk in the days prior to his death … or whether alcohol played a factor at all.

Madsen’s old friend and assistant Dougie Smith To us revealed the actor appeared in good health almost a week before his deathAfter a routine doctor’s appointment for his Rotatormanchet … making his death all the shocking.

Michael was 67.