Coroner Investigating Leak Surrounding Murphy’s Death
By WENNWednesday, December 23, 2009
The Los Angeles Coroner’s office has launched an investigation to determine who is responsible for leaking confidential documents regarding the death of actress BRITTANY MURPHY.
The 32-year-old star died after suffering a cardiac arrest at her Hollywood Hills home on Sunday (20Dec09).
A confidential report obtained and released online by TMZ.com detailed notes written by the Coroner’s office.
The documents, allegedly written by an official named as Investigator Blacklock, reveal Murphy “had been complaining of shortness of breath and severe abdominal pain” for seven to 10 days prior to her death.
The documents also claim investigators found large amounts of prescription pills, including anti-seizure medication Topamax, Fluoxetine, which is used to treat depression, anti-anxiety medication Ativan, pain-reliever Vicoprofen and Propranolol, used to treat hypertension.
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter admits he is “furious” over the leak, adding, “We don’t normally release partial information. If partial information goes out, it of course makes us look bad. Everybody ought to get it at the same time.”
Bosses at TMZ.com have declined to comment on how the report was obtained.
The cause of Murphy’s death has been “deferred” pending toxicological results, although an autopsy on her body was completed on Monday (21Dec09). Officials previously stated they believe the star died from natural causes.
