Support for LAist comes from
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Stay Connected
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen

Share This

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.

Arts and Entertainment

NFL and 'Police Academy' Star Bubba Smith Died of a Diet Pill OD

Smith in 1967 (AP Photo/file)
()

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 . 

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has released the cause of death report for actor and National Football League star Bubba Smith, who died in August in Baldwin Hills. Smith was 66.The first listed cause of death is listed as "acute phentermine intoxication," reports TMZ, adding "Phentermine is the generic name for a weight loss medication."

So basically, Smith's death was in part caused by an OD of diet pills.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that the habit-forming drug is taken by overweight people for a short period of time, typically three to six weeks.

Additionally, in Smith's case, the Coroner's report indicates "other conditions that may have contributed to Bubba's death include heart disease and hypertension," according to TMZ.

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
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist