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Autopsy Pending for Tony Scott, Will Confirm if Director Had Brain Cancer [UPDATED]
Tony Scott (s_bukley / Shutterstock.com)
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An autopsy is expected to take place today on the body of Tony Scott, the respected director and producer who jumped to his death from the Vincent Thomas bridge in San Pedro Sunday. The examination will include pursuing medical evidence Scott was suffering from brain cancer, which was published as speculation of motive for suicide by ABC News Monday.The brief explanation of Scott's rumored medical condition came from a source close to the director, according to ABC, and included that the cancer was "inoperable."
Ed Winter, assistant chief at the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, told the Daily News the autopsy would explore the possibility Scott had cancer:
"We'd like to know why a person decides to take their life," Winter said. "Is there some hidden thing we don't know about? Did he, in fact, have cancer and say, 'I'm out of here? I don't want to be in pain. I don't want my family to see me suffer."
"Scott left a suicide note at his office, law enforcement sources said, but police have not revealed what was in it," adds L.A. Now. Winter stresses that while an autopsy will reveal details about Scott's death and medical condition, it cannot explain why he took his own life.
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UPDATE 4:54 PM: According to TMZ, Scott's wife told investigators her husband did not have inoperable brain cancer--or brain cancer, period. Additionally, though the L.A. County Coroner's office has not made any official news release regarding the Scott autopsy, TMZ reports their sources say the autopsy has not found evidence of brain cancer. Further, "Scott's wife says Tony did not have any other severe medical issues that would have caused him to take his own life," notes the gossip site.
5:55 PM: Winter said the autopsy has been conducted, but no results were released pending the completion of toxicology tests, reports City News Service. Regarding the brain cancer, Winter said he could not confirm the diagnosis, but added the examination of Scott's brain may not have been completed yet.
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