The mystery of Brittany Murphy's death
December 23rd 2009 00:04
The saddest Hollywood news this month has now become one of the most talked-about mysteries: how, and why, did Brittany Murphy die? While the 32-year-old actress's official cause of death was cardiac arrest, there are a number of theories as to what led to such a tragic end... and disturbingly, why Murphy's husband Simon Monjack didn't want an autopsy to be performed on his young wife.
Thankfully, Monjack didn't get his wish, and an autopsy was performed on Murphy's body. However the results are yet to be released to the media, as they have been deemed "inconclusive". While Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told the press that the actress's death "appeared to be natural", there was a large amount of prescription medication found at Murphy's Los Angeles home, and according to reports there was also a significant amount of vomit in the bathroom where Murphy's body was found by her mother.
It's known that Murphy did suffer from a thyroid condition and Type-2 diabetes - which would explain the prescription pills - but close friends of the star were also deeply concerned about the actress's plummeting weight. Speculation of an eating disorder and drug abuse followed the star throughout her career, but Murphy had always vociferously denied both accusations.
As no illegal drugs were found in the house, the LAPD's investigations are focused on the possibility of a prescription drug overdose. But as to whether it was really natural, as the coroner said, we may never know. Although Murphy had a bright film debut in 1995's Clueless, and enjoyed success in films like Girl, Interrupted, Don't Say A Word, and 8 Mile, her career had been on a downward trajectory over the last few years, and she was reportedly fired from her last film. By 2008, articles like this one had begun to circulate, as well as those saying that she hadn't had a "real" acting job since joining the cast of 2005's critically acclaimed Sin City.
While it is rather presumptuous to suggest that Murphy's tragic death may have been a suicide, it is certainly a possibility that she was quietly suffering from depression, and it might also explain her stick-thin appearance of recent months. It is also interesting to note that although she married Monjack more than two years ago, he was not included in her will, with Murphy's entire estate being left to her mother.
Of course, we won't know how the young actress died until the full autopsy results are released: they're currently pending until the toxicology and neurological test results become available. At this stage Monjack is not a suspect in his wife's death, although his initial refusal of an autopsy has certainly aroused suspicion.
Until then, we can only commiserate the untimely and mysterious death of an actress who was once one of Hollywood's brightest rising stars. Like with all departed movie stars, her spirit and memory will live on in her films. Rest in peace, Brittany Murphy.
R.I.P. Brittany Murphy, 1977 - 2009
Thankfully, Monjack didn't get his wish, and an autopsy was performed on Murphy's body. However the results are yet to be released to the media, as they have been deemed "inconclusive". While Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told the press that the actress's death "appeared to be natural", there was a large amount of prescription medication found at Murphy's Los Angeles home, and according to reports there was also a significant amount of vomit in the bathroom where Murphy's body was found by her mother.
It's known that Murphy did suffer from a thyroid condition and Type-2 diabetes - which would explain the prescription pills - but close friends of the star were also deeply concerned about the actress's plummeting weight. Speculation of an eating disorder and drug abuse followed the star throughout her career, but Murphy had always vociferously denied both accusations.
Murphy with her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack
As no illegal drugs were found in the house, the LAPD's investigations are focused on the possibility of a prescription drug overdose. But as to whether it was really natural, as the coroner said, we may never know. Although Murphy had a bright film debut in 1995's Clueless, and enjoyed success in films like Girl, Interrupted, Don't Say A Word, and 8 Mile, her career had been on a downward trajectory over the last few years, and she was reportedly fired from her last film. By 2008, articles like this one had begun to circulate, as well as those saying that she hadn't had a "real" acting job since joining the cast of 2005's critically acclaimed Sin City.
While it is rather presumptuous to suggest that Murphy's tragic death may have been a suicide, it is certainly a possibility that she was quietly suffering from depression, and it might also explain her stick-thin appearance of recent months. It is also interesting to note that although she married Monjack more than two years ago, he was not included in her will, with Murphy's entire estate being left to her mother.
Gone, but not forgotten
Of course, we won't know how the young actress died until the full autopsy results are released: they're currently pending until the toxicology and neurological test results become available. At this stage Monjack is not a suspect in his wife's death, although his initial refusal of an autopsy has certainly aroused suspicion.
Until then, we can only commiserate the untimely and mysterious death of an actress who was once one of Hollywood's brightest rising stars. Like with all departed movie stars, her spirit and memory will live on in her films. Rest in peace, Brittany Murphy.
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