Dies

Brittany Murphy’s Cause of Death: Drugs, Foul Play or Natural Causes?

December 21, 2009 By Holly Stafford 3 Comments

Brittany Murphy, actress and wife to Simon Monjack, died at age 32 from cardiac arrest yesterday. New details on the tragedy are emerging, while accusations and rumors are flying with everything from drugs to anorexia to her husband coming under suspicion. But how did she really die – was it drugs? Foul Play? Natural causes? Certainly its not ‘natural’ for someone so young and full of life to just pass away, was it? Her family told Los Angeles officials that she was extremely ill in the days before her death. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter says they will conduct an autopsy today to try to determine what killed her. He says the reported illness could be a contributing factor to her death, but that it will be weeks before a final determination is made. Prescription medications were taken from Murphy’s home and officials say they will contact her personal physician to get a better sense of her medical history. An official cause of death may not be determined for some time, since toxicology tests will be required and could take up to six weeks. Winter says Murphy’s death appears to be from natural causes.

Per PopEater:

Capt. John Kades of the coroner’s office says, “Foul play is not suspected at this time because there were no outward signs of trauma or other injuries,” according to PEOPLE.

TMZ, which first reported that Murphy died after going into full cardiac arrest, has since reported that Murphy was very ill in the hours prior to her death and that she was taking prescription medications for flu-like symptoms she had been experiencing for several days. Sources also told TMZ that Murphy was vomiting before she died Sunday and that several types of prescription drugs were found in the house.

“There were a lot … a lot of prescriptions in the house.” We’re also told authorities did not find illegal drugs in the house, but Murphy was definitely taking various prescription meds.

Murphy collapsed inside the home she shared with husband. Some reports indicate he is the one who found her, while others claim it was her mother Sharon, in the bathroom of her home where there was ‘a significant amount of vomit’ in the room. A neighbor reports seeing the paramedics attempting to revive Murphy, who appeared then to be dead. She was transported to Cedars-Sinai, where she was pronounced dead on arrival at 10:04 a.m. Murphys’ mother also told paramedics that she suffered with Type 2 diabetes, but people connected to the case believe its highly unlikely that contributed to her death. Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into Murphy’s death, with detectives and the coroner’s officials at Murphy and Monjack’s home Sunday afternoon.

In somewhat of a creepy turn, Perez Hilton predicted Brittany’s death in a radio interview earlier this month. When radio host AJ Machado asked Perez if there was another celebrity headed for the same fate as Michael Jackson, Perez reportedly said, “Brittany Murphy maybe.” Did he know something we don’t? Perez has since blogged a warning to Lindsay Lohan and Courtney Love to straighten out their act so they won’t be next – let’s hope he’s not right the next time! But Murphy had said that 2010 was the year she had planned to try for a baby with her husband, although she also somewhat foreshadowed her own death in a statement made in 2003.

Per Bumpshack:

“Everybody has difficult years, but a lot of times the difficult years end up being the greatest years of your whole entire life, if you survive them.”

No matter how ill she was, she was still too young to die. It’s a shame that we had to lose such a talented actress. We wish Murphy’s family and friends all the best during this difficult time. Feel free to leave your condolences below.

Celeb Reacting To Murphy’s Death:

“2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon. See you on the other side kid.” – Ashton Kutcher

“I’m so saddened to hear this news. I loved working with Brittany. She was so talented, so warm and so sweet. I always felt connected to her as we shared a very special experience in our lives together. I feel love in my heart for her-and hope she is at peace.” – Alicia Silverstone

“Brittany was one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She had the voice of an angel and a genuine heart of gold. I’m very happy to have known and worked with such a special person. My heart goes out to all of her loved ones.” – Donald Faison

“It is a terrible loss for us as actors and to the industry but even greater for her family. My thoughts and prayers are with them.” – Whoopie Goldberg

“My deepest condolences go out to all of Brittany Murphy’s loved ones & may she rest in peace. She was a great talent with a beautiful soul. XO.” - Lindsay Lohan

“Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of Light to so many people. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.” – Jessica Simpson

“I met [Brittany Murphy] before her star rose. It’s tough to find peace in fame. I wish her peace and happiness in her next lifetime.” – Russell Simmons

“My heart aches having just learned of Brittany Murphy’s death. We were friends time-to-time through the years. I always admired her pure spirit.” – Eliza Dushku

“So sad this is truly a waste. feeling regret we didnt’ do more. i love you so much Brittany and always will.” – Kathy Najimy

“I am beyond words by the loss of Brittany Murphy. I was so blessed to know your grace. My heart goes out to your mama loved ones.” – Soleil Moon Frye

Filed Under: Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Crime, Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Health, Celebrity Loss, Celebrity Quotes, Drugs and Alcohol, Lindsay Lohan, Real News Tagged With: Accusations, Alicia Silverstone, Anorexia, Ashton Kutcher, Assistant Chief Coroner, autopsy, Brittany Murphy, Captain John Kades, Cardiac Arrest, Cedars-Sinai, Coroners Officials, Courtney Love, Death, Diabetes, died, Dies, Donald Faison, Drugs, Ed Winter, Eliza Dushku, flu-like symptoms, Foreshadow, Foul Play, ill, Interview, investigate, Investigation, Jessica Simpson, Kathy Najimy, Lindsay Lohan, Medications, Michael Jackson, Natural Causes, passes away, Perez Hilton, Prescriptions, radio, Russell Simmons, Sick, Simon Monjack, Soleil Moon Frye, Suspicions, TMZ, Toxicology test, Vomit, Vomited, Whoopie Goldberg

Brittany Murphey Found Dead

December 20, 2009 By Holly Stafford 1 Comment

Actress Brittany Murphy went into full cardiac arrest and died this morning in Los Angeles. An emergency call was made about 8am Sunday morning from husband Simon Monjack’s home, the L.A. Fire Department was quoted as saying. She was rushed to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but pronounced dead on arrival. Her time of death was listed as 10:04 AM.

Sources tell TMZ Brittany Murphy’s mom discovered her unconscious in the shower. We’re told when paramedics arrived, they quickly determined Murphy was in full cardiac arrest and immediately administered CPR.

Murphy was born in Atlanta and began acting as a young teenager in a series of television appearances. Her breakthrough role was in the 1995 hit “Clueless” with Alicia Silverstone, and was well-known for her roles in “8 Mile,” and most recently “Sin City.” Murphy also provided the voice for Luanne Platter in popular animated television series “King of the Hill.” She married British screenwriter Monjack in 2007.

Murphy made headlines earlier this month when her husband had a brief health scare that led him to the hospital. And she reportedly parted ways on bad terms from production of the upcoming movie “The Caller.” Earlier in her career, Murphy was accused of having an eating disorder which some believed was tied to a cocaine habit, but she strongly denied the accusations.

Murphy was only 32 years old. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this time.

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Filed Under: Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Loss, Movies, Television Tagged With: 8 Mile, Alcia Silverstone, Brittany Murphey, brittany murphy cardiac arrest, Brittany Murphy Dead, brittany murphy simon monjack, brittney murphey, brittney murphy, brittney murphy dead, brittney murphy died, Cardiac Arrest, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Clueless, died, Dies, Heart Attack, King of the Hill, Los Angeles, Luanne Platter, passes away, Simon Monjack, Sin City, The Caller, TMZ

NFL Star Chris Henry Tragically Dies at 26

December 17, 2009 By Holly Stafford Leave a Comment

Tragedy fell upon the NFL early this morning. Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chris Henry passed away this morning after sustaining injuries suffered after he fell from a moving pickup truck driven by his fiancee Loleini Tonga yesterday in Charlotte, N.C. Henry died at 6:36 a.m. at Carolinas Medical Center, where he had been taken early yesterday afternoon. Police haven’t released a cause of death.

Chris Henry was severely injured and was listed in a critical condition after falling out of the back of a moving pick-up truck following a heated argument with Tonga. She got in a pick-up truck and drove off, with Henry running after her and hopping into the bed of the truck. The two continued fighting until his accident when Henry “came out” of the back of the vehicle about a half-mile away from his fiancees’ parents house. When police and paramedics responded to the scene, police said Henry had suffered life-threatening injuries, including severe head trauma. He was then transported to a local hospital. No charges have been immediately filed, although authorities are at the scene conducting a criminal investigation to assess if he fell or was thrown off the truck.

Per Fox Sports:

“The domestic situation continued between the operator and Mr. Henry,” the police said in a statement. “At some point while she was driving, Mr. Henry came out of the back of the vehicle.”

According to a statement released by the Bengals, Henry and Tonga were to be married in March. Tonga’s MySpace page also made several references to the expected nuptials, including the purchase of her dress and wedding rings. Police haven’t released details on their dispute. However, homicide detectives were called to the scene of the accident to investigate. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, such a move is typical procedure when the department responds to an accident involving life-threatening injuries.

Drafted in 2005, Henry is no stranger to problems off the field. He was arrested several times during his professional career, including arrests for DUI, marijuana possession, and assault, before being released by the Bengals in 2007 and then re-signed to a two-year contract with the team before the 2008 season. After the Bengals’ owner gave Henry a second chance, Henry seemed to have straightened his life out, staying out of trouble and focusing his off time on his family. He had been on injured reserve with the Bengals since Nov. 9 due to a dislocated forearm and had been spending his time away from the team with Tonga and their children.

Per ESPN:

“He was good at what he did as a player, he was a teammate to our players and a friend to almost all of us in the building,” Bengals president Mike Brown said at a news conference Thursday at the team’s headquarters. “We knew him in a way that [was not consistent] with his public persona. We liked him. He had worked through troubles in his life … to a point where he was going to have the future we all wanted for him and that he wanted for himself. At the time of his tragedy he was running to daylight.”

Henry leaves behind his fiancee and three children: 3-year old Seini, 2-year old Chris Jr., and 10-month old DeMarcus. He was 26 years old. An unfortunate end to a troubled life that seemed to be on the mend over the past year. Our sympathies are with the family of Chris Henry and his fiancee. Family, friends, and fans will miss him.

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Filed Under: Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Feuds, Celebrity Loss, Drugs and Alcohol, Real News Tagged With: Arguing, argument, Arrested, Assault, Carolinas Medical Center, charges, Charlotte NC, Chris Henry, Chris Jr, Cincinnati Bengals, Criminal Investigation, Critical Condition, DeMarcus, died, Dies, Dispute, DUI, Engaged, Fighting, Head Trauma, Homicide Detectives, Injured, Injury, Loleini Tonga, marijuana possession, Married, Mike Brown, Myspace, NFL, paramedics, passed away, police, Seini, Truck, Wedding, Wide Receiver

Former Miss Argentina Solange Magnano Dies After Plastic Surgery

December 1, 2009 By Holly Stafford Leave a Comment

A cosmetic procedure to have her buttocks sculpted has ended in tragedy for model and former beauty queen Solange Magnano. The 38 year old former Miss Argentina was rushed to hospital with severe breathing problems after the operation and later died of a pulmonary embolism after three days in critical condition following a gluteoplasty procedure in Buenos Aires. Her close friend and fashion designer Roberto Piazza said the mother of 7-year old twins had become fixated with her looks as her successful modeling career approached its end.

Per AP:

“Solange was a girl who had everything. She lived the life of a goddess, she was the envy of everybody. A woman who had everything lost her life to have a slightly firmer behind. She died because of her obsession with beauty,” says Piazza.

Magano had already had cosmetic surgery on her breasts after the birth of her twins. She travelled last Thursday to Buenos Aires for her buttock implants. Magnano was buried in her hometown of San Francisco, in the province of Cordoba, yesterday and the burial was shown on Argentine television. At times like this we wonder if we can really trust our very advanced medical technologies.

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Filed Under: Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Loss, Real News Tagged With: Argentine, Beauty Queen, Buenos Aires, Burial, Buried, butt, Buttocks, Cordoba, Cosmetic Procedure, Critical Conditon, Designer, die, died, Dies, Gluteoplasty, Miss Argentina, Model, Plastic Surgery, Pulmonary Embolism, Roberto Piazza, San Francisco, Solange Magnano, Surgery

Janet Jackson Blames Dr. Conrad Murray For Michaels’ Death

November 16, 2009 By Holly Stafford 2 Comments

Janet Jackson has kept quiet about the death of her brother Michael for close to five months, but now she breaks her silence and places the blame squarely on Dr. Conrad Murray. In an interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts, it comes as no surprise that Janet says she believes Dr. Murray was responsible for her brother’s death, working as Michael’s personal physician and admitting to giving propofol to the late pop icon. Jackson died from acute propofol intoxication, according to the L. A. Coroner’s Office, but Dr. Murray denies responsibility for his death claiming that he neither prescribed or administered anything to Jackson that should have killed him.

Per TMZ:

Janet stated, “He was the one that was administering … I think he is responsible.”

Murray was hired to treat Michael in the months before he died in June of a drug overdose, and is currently the main focus in a manslaughter investigation of the King of Pops death. Police have referred the case to prosecutors to determine if criminal charges should be filed. But Janet feels that in the very least Murray should no longer be allowed to practice medicine. Recounting the morning her brother died, Jackson says she was completely shocked when she learned of her brother’s death.

“I was at my house in New York. You know, another day. Another morning. And I get a call … [my assistant] said, ‘Your brother’s been taken to the hospital. It’s on CNN right now. I called everyone’s. There’s a line busy or — someone wasn’t picking up. I spoke to mother. I spoke to Tito. I spoke to my nephew Austin. I spoke to my sister La Toya. I told them to call me when they got to the hospital. And I remember thinking nobody’s calling me back, so I tried calling again, and that’s how I found out that he was no longer … I couldn’t believe it. It just didn’t ring true to me. It felt like a dream. It’s still so difficult for me to believe. It’s, you know, you have to accept what is. But it’s hard. You have to move on with your life. You have to accept what is and I understand that.”

You can’t administer the drug that killed him and not take some sort of responsibility when he dies from the injection of that drug. His defense is ridiculous. Hippocratic oath states first to ‘do no harm.’ Murray obviously did a lot of harm and should be locked up, not just have his license revoked. Janet Jackson’s full interview will air on ABC Wednesday night.

Filed Under: Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Loss, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Television Tagged With: ABC, Administered, Austin, Conrad Murray, Coroner, Criminal Charges, Death, Defense, die, died, Dies, Drug, Hospital, Interview, Intoxication, Investigation, Janet Jackson, Killed, King of Pop, LaToya, Manslaughter, Medicine, Michael Jackson, Overdose, Personal Physician, Pop Icon, Practice, Prescribed, propofol, Prosecutors, Responsible, Robin Roberts, Tito

‘The Vampire Diaires’ Ian Somerhalder To Star In ‘Cradlewood’

October 16, 2009 By Holly Stafford 4 Comments

Ian Somerhalder, currently starring as the dark & mysterious Damon Salvatore in “The Vampire Diaries,” hot enough to give Robert Pattinson a run for hottest vampire, has signed on to star in “Cradlewood,” a romantic gothic fairy tale set in Boston. Somerhalder will play the son of an old Boston blue-blood family, the heir to a fortune, who’s dating an Australian girl. A family legend of his suggests that the family fortunes are tied up with a demon, and that a curse means that every time a boy is born into the family, his father dies. When he begins to experience strange things at the same time he starts suspecting his girlfriend is pregnant, he begins to worry that it’s not just an old wives’ tale.

“Cradlewood” is based on original story by Harry Weinmann. Emma Lung will play Somerhalders’ girlfriend in the movie. The script was written by Stephen Sewell and John Paul Chapple, and will be produced by Michel Shane and David Redman.

Per Hollywood Reporter:

“We see this is as almost like an American-style ‘Pan’s Labyrinth‘ in look and feel,” Shane said. “It’s a perfect segue for the kids who have outgrown ‘Twilight‘ but want something romantic and scary. Our monster will be quite terrifying; she is sexually attractive and monstrous at the same time.”

“Cradlewood” is scheduled to start shooting in Melbourne, Australia in April, during Somerhalders’ hiatus from “The Vampire Diaries.” It’s an interesting plot, although I’m struggling a little to see were the “romance” is at this point. Oh well, do we really care? I mean, its Ian-freakin’-Somerhalder! His lines could consist of nothing more than reading the nutritional facts off the side of a Planters Peanuts jar and I’d pay the price of admission, repeatedly, to see his sexiness sizzle on screen!

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Filed Under: "Twilight Saga News", Celebrity Gossip, Movies, Robert Pattinson Tagged With: Australia, Australian, Boston, Cradlewood, curse, Damon Salvatore, David Redman, Demon, Dies, Emma Lung, Fortune, Girlfriend, Harry Weinmann, Heir, Ian Somerhalder, John Paul Chapple, Legend, Melbourne, Monster, Movie, Pan's Labyrinth, Plot, Pregnant, Produced, Producer Michel Shane, Rober Pattinson, Robert Pattinson, Romantic Gothic Fairy Tale, Scary, script, Stephen Sewell, The Vampire Diaires, Twilight, Vampire

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, Dead at Age 50

June 25, 2009 By Holly Stafford 3 Comments

Today is a very, very sad day. On the heels of Farrah Fawcett‘s passing, news has surfaced that Michael Jackson has also died. He was only 50 years old. The legendary pop star suffered cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his home in Holmby Hills. A 911 call was made from his residence at 12:21pm pacific time. When paramedics arrived on the scene, Michael is said to have stopped breathing, with no visible pulse. After not being able to revive him, he was then was rushed to UCLA Medical Center and was said to have slipped into a coma for a short while before being pronounced dead around 3:15pm pacific time. The L.A. Times confirmed his death.

Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” had been rehearsing lately in Los Angeles for the past few months. A spokespersons for Jackson so far could not be reached for comment. Michael is survived by three children, Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II.

What a very sad week in Hollywood, indeed. First Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett, and now Michael Jackson. Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts go out to the family and friends.

Filed Under: Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Health, Michael Jackson Tagged With: 9/11, Billie Jean, Cardiac Arrest, coma, died, Dies, Farrah Fawcett, Holmby Hills, King of Pop, London, Los Angeles, Michael Jackson, michael jackson cardiac arrest, michael jackson dead, michael jackson dying, michael jackson news, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, passed away, Passing, Prince Blanket Michael Jackson II, revive, Thriller, UCLA Medical Center

Bea Arthur Passes Away at 86

April 26, 2009 By Crista Webster 3 Comments

It is with a heavy heart that we here at Hollywood Dame announce the passing of beloved funny-woman Bea Arthur. Bea passed away Saturday morning at her home is Los Angeles surrounded by her family. She was 86.

If you spend a lot of time here at Hollywood Dame (and you should), then you have no doubt read on my bio page that Bea Arthur is one of my favorite celebrities. She was a comedic genius and one hell of a lady.

Bea’s career as an actress began off Broadway in the 1950’s. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when she earned a guest spot as Edith Bunker’s liberal cousin on the show ‘All in the Family’ that Bea’s television presence became known. She was offered her own show ‘Maude’, which was a spin-off of ‘All in the Family’.

‘Maude’ was a popular show and even earned Bea an Emmy Award in 1977. The show was a comedy, but pushed the envelope with serious and controversial storylines such as Maude’s decision to have an abortion and her husband Walter’s alcoholism.

In the 1980’s Bea joined fellow funny-ladies Rue MacClanahan, Betty White, and the late Estelle Getty on the beloved show ‘The Golden Girls.’ She played substitute teacher, and constantly harassed daughter of Sofia, Dorothy Zbornak. I still remember waiting every Saturday night for “the girls” to come on. It was my favorite show and Bea was by far my favorite character. I still watch ‘The Golden Girls’ religiously today and, though I have seen every episode a dozen or more times, I still manage to laugh at every joke.

When asked once how she felt about being type-cast into roles Bea replied:

“Look — I’m 5-feet-9, I have a deep voice and I have a way with a line. What can I do about it? I can’t stay home waiting for something different. I think it’s a total waste of energy worrying about typecasting.”

That’s why I heart Bea Arthur. She knew who she was and never once attempted to change for anyone.

Jerry Herman, who worked as the composer for Arthur’s Tony Award winning performance in the musical, ‘Mame’, had this to say about Bea via the Associated Press:

“There was no one else like Bea. She would make us laugh during `Mame’ rehearsals with a look or with a word. She didn’t need dialogue. I don’t know if I can say that about any other person I ever worked with.”

That’s simple Jerry: you can’t. No one can. The world is a little less funny today.

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