With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Coroner: Whitney Houston Did Not Drown in Bathtub, Family Can Collect Her Body
Photo of Whitney Houston in 2009 during a "comeback" concert performance by asterix611 via Flickr
()
The family of singer Whitney Houston has been told the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office no longer needs to hold her body, and they are free to collect her remains and make funeral arrangements, according to a coroner's lieutenant, reports City News Service.
The troubled 48-year-old songstress' body was found in the bathtub of her room at the Beverly Hilton. Houston was at the hotel ahead of her intended attendance at record maven Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party.
An autopsy has been performed, and while there are no signs of foul play, it appears Houston did not die exclusively of drowning. "There were no visible signs of trauma on the body," said Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office. "We need additional testing," Winter is quoted as saying in L.A. Now.
Results of toxicology tests are pending, to determine if, as theorized, Houston died from a lethal combination of pills and booze.
Support for LAist comes from
TMZ is reporting that family sources say they were told by the coroner's office "the singer did not die from drowning, but rather from what appears to be a combination of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol."
Despite finding water in Houston's lungs, TMZ reports the family have been told "there was not enough water in Whitney's lungs to lead to the conclusion that she drowned." Further, those same sources told TMZ the coroner told them "Whitney may well have died before her head became submerged."
Autopsy results were placed on a security hold by the Beverly Hills Police Department. Lt. Joe Bale noted that full toxicology reports typically take six to eight weeks, and two to three if they are rushed.
Reportedly, Houston's mother Cissy has made arrangements to have the body flown to Atlanta as early as Tuesday morning, notes CNS. Other reports indicate "her body was to be flown to New Jersey for the funeral, with events being planned for the upcoming weekend."
During last night's Grammy Awards ceremony and telecast, many celebrities paused to remember Whitney Houston, and Jennifer Hudson performed "I Will Always Love You," at the close of the "In memoriam" tribute segment.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist