This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
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.
[UPDATED] Whitney Houston's Body Was Found In Bathtub
Yesterday afternoon, music superstar Whitney Houstonwas found dead in her hotel suite at the Beverly Hilton. Her body was removed from the hotel to the morgue for an autopsy, but Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said, "There were no obvious signs of criminal intent," though it's unclear whether she died of natural causes.
Houston had been expected to perform at music impresario Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party at the Hilton last night, but at 3:30 p.m., the 48-year-old was found unresponsive—according to TMZ, she was in the bathtub. Paramedics performed CPR and pronounced her dead at 3:55 p.m. Her body wasn't removed from the hotel room until early this morning.
TMZ also reports, "No illegal drugs have been found in the hotel room where Whitney Houston died -- at least not yet -- but prescription drugs were present, and it's possible the singer drowned in the bathtub... Informed sources tell us ... Beverly Hills cops -- who were still searching the room at the time this story was posted -- found various pill bottles. There was no evidence that Whitney was drinking alcohol in the room."
It's expected the autopsy will be performed today or tomorrow.
UPDATE: Now TMZ reports that Xanax was found in Houston's suite: "Whitney Houston was taking Xanax ... evidence she may have fallen asleep in the bathtub where she died ... TMZ has learned. Family members of Whitney tell us the singer had a prescription for the drug, which is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. "
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
