Whitney Houston Cause of Death: Heart Attack, Cocaine

The Los Angeles County Coroner has released the official cause of death for Whitney Houston.

According to the report, the singer passed away due to an "accidental drowning" that was related to heart disease and also the presence of cocaine in her system.

An insider tells TMZ that it's "very possible" the heart attack caused Whitney to pass out and fall under the water. It's also likely this was triggered by the use of cocaine. It should be noted, however, that no cocaine was found in the hotel room where Houston passed away.

Law enforcement officials have said from the beginning that no foul play was involved in the tragedy and nothing in this report suggests anything different.

HG

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National Enquirer Defends Whitney Houston Death Photo as "Beautiful"

he National Enquirer has an extraordinarily warped sense of beauty.

With every media outlet and Twitter account holder in shock and disgust over that tabloid publishing a photo of Whitney Houston in her casket, courtesy of last Saturday's funeral in New Jersey, the tabloid's publisher, Mary Beth Wright, spoke to Fox News yesterday and actually said:

“I thought it was beautiful."

This isn't the first time the National Enquirer has invoked such controversy and outrage. In 1977, the newspaper published an image Elvis Presley in his coffin, and it also ran a a photograph of John Lennon following his death in 1980.

Source What do you guys think? I personally think they should be sued. What people will do for a dollar sheesh!

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Bobby Brown Broke Agreement for Funeral, Bobbi Kristina

-missjia [SOURCE]

As I’m sure many of you remember, there was a lot of controversy surrounding Bobby and his attendance at Whitney Houston’s funeral (and thanks to overgrown thirst,that picture is now floating around the web). While Bobby says one thing and funeral goers say another, the attorney for the Houstons, Mark G. Trigg, gives the (alleged) real. Our agreement prior to the service was that if Krissy reached out to Bobby, if she tried to initiate any contact with him, security was certainly going to make sure that happened and would not stand in the way of her reaching Bobby if she initiated the contact.” “What was asked of him however was that if Krissy didn’t initiate that contact for whatever reason, with whatever was going on in her head and heart and spirit, that day, if she didn’t initiate the contact, then he was not to reach out for her. Just to respect her and her wishes during the service. That was the agreement,” “And when he went to interact with her, that’s when security said we would ask you please go to your seat. Please have your children sit with their uncle, and let’s not have any unnecessary drama here. That’s the point where he, for whatever reason, decided that he wanted to just leave the service. So he got with his three children, went up and kissed the casket and they walked out of the service.”

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Read Cissy Houston's Touching Open-Letter to Whitney

Whitney Houston's mother, Sissy Houston, has written an open-letter to her daughter. She expresses her love and appreciation for having Whitney in her life.

Read the touching letter that was featured in the funeral program below.

"Dearest Whitney:

The presence of God blessed our home with life, love, joy and peace. You and your brothers were the center of divine love attracting God's richest blessings. You were a child of God. We had so much love in our home that was truly from on high.

You always gave without expecting anything in return and our love was the force that multiplied these blessings higher and higher. I never told you that when you were born the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long and I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years.

God said it's time Nippy; your work is done. The other day on February 11th He came for you. But not without warning. For two months now I have been depressed, crying, lonesome and sad not knowing why.

On Saturday, before I found out about your transition, my doorbell rang. I went to answer it but there was no one there. It rang again and again, no one was there so I called the concierge to tell him someone was ringing my doorbell. He checked the cameras and told me that no one was there. You promised me you were coming to spend time with me after the Grammys. I believe the spirits allowed you to come after all.

How I love you Nippy and how I miss you, your beautiful smile, your special little things you used to say to me and sometimes you'd call just to say "hi Mommie, I love you so much," I loved you so much more.

I love you,
I'll miss you,

Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter.

Rest my baby girl in Peace, you're now in the arms of Jesus.

Love, Mommie"

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National Enquirer Publishes Whitney Houston Coffin Photo

Someone within Whitney Houston’s camp sold her out to the National Enquirer. The national gossip rag displays a photo of the pop icon lying in an open coffin wearing a purple dress on the cover of this week’s issue. The photo is believed to have been taken inside the Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, where her family attended a private wake last Friday.
No word on how much the magazine paid the insider for the photo.
See the photo after the break. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT!

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Stevie Wonder Performs at Whitney Houston Funeral [Video]

During an emotional Whitney Houston funeral today, which included moving speeches from friends and loved ones, Stevie Wonder took to the piano at one point and shared memories of the late artist.

He praised God for simply allowing him to live at the same time at Houston, talked about recording a duet with her in the studio and then made onlookers laugh by owning up for a mini crush on the legend.

Wonder then went ahead and did what he does best: sing beautifully. Watch and listen to him pay tribute to his friend now:

Stevie Wonder Performs at Whitney Houston Funeral

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Kevin Costner Remembers Whitney Houston at Funeral [Video]

Whitney Houston's close friend and The Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner delivered a touching speech at her funeral yesterday in Newark, New Jersey.

He recalled to mourners gathered at the church and fans watching online that Houston, despite her fame, was a humble woman who doubted herself.

"The greatest pop star in the world didn't think she was good enough," Costner, 57, said of Houston, who died of a possible overdose last week at 48.

"There were a thousand things that seemed to her to be wrong."

Kevin Costner Eulogy For Whitney Houston

Kevin said there were many men who could've played his part in their iconic 1992 film, after which he remained close to Houston, but there was only one Whitney.

When she was screen-testing for the role, which was put in production a year later than slated because she was on tour, Whitney Houston asked herself:

"Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?"

As those attending the funeral laughed, Costner recalled how she almost sabotaged herself re-touching her own makeup, which melted under the studio lighting.

"I wanted to tell her that the game was rigged, that I didn't care how the test went, that she could fall down and start speaking tongues," he said.

"That no matter what she did, I'd find a way to explain it as an extraordinary acting choice. And gee, weren't we lucky to have her?"

Indeed. R.I.P.

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Bobby Brown Leaves Whitney Houston Funeral Early, Releases Statement

After days spent arguing with Whitney Houston's family over whether or not he'd attend his ex-wife funeral, multiple sources confirm that Bobby Brown continued arguing with his former in-laws today.

And actually left the memorial after just 20 minutes as a result.

Both E! News and TMZ report that Brown brought an entourage of nine people in to the Newark church. It's unclear exactly what happened from there, but the singer was spotted exiting the house of worship shortly after the service began.

"I am at Whitney's funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney!" Al Sharpton Tweeted, while Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson says a "seating arrangement" dispute was at play.

Brown also has a concert gig tonight in Connecticut with New Edition, but it's believed this disagreement with Whitney's family is the reason why he left the premises so quickly.

UPDATE: Brown has released the following statement:

“My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina.

"In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”

[Photo: WENN.com]

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Alicia Keys Performs at Whitney Houston Funeral [Video]

"She would call you for no reason at all, but just to say 'hi.' She was a beautiful human being - really caring, beautiful, thoughtful."

So said Alicia Keys today, holding back tears, prior to breaking into a rendition of "Send Me An Angel" in honor of the late Whitney Houston. Watch for yourself now:

Alicia Keys - "Send Me An Angel" (Whitney Houston Funeral)

Stevie Wonder also performed at the memorial, while Houston's former co-star in The Bodyguard was applauded for his beautiful tribute to the part-time actress.

"To you, Bobbi Kristina, and to all those young girls who are dreaming that dream, thinking that maybe they aren't good enough, I think Whitney would tell you, guard your bodies," said Kevin Costner. "And guard the precious miracle of your own life. Then sing your hearts out.

"Off you go Whitney, off you go. Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly Father. When you sing before him, don't you worry. You'll be good enough."

props

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Ray J Misses Whitney Houston, Releases Statement on Singer's Passing

For the first time since the death of Whitney Houston, the man who most recently dated this legendary singer has spoken out.

In a just-released statement, Ray J says: "Over the past few days, I've tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words. The world lost an icon, but I lost my close friend."

Ray J and Whitney had been together for a few months prior to her passing, and were spotted out in Los Angeles about a week before she died. Sources say Ray raced to the Beverly Hills Hilton as soon as the tragic news broke.

"Nippy, I miss you so much!" Ray J added, using a nickname given to Whitney by her father. "You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever."

[Photos: WENN.com]

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Whitney Houston Remembered At 54th GRAMMY Awards

GRAMMY-winning artist Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to six-time GRAMMY winner Whitney Houston at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 12. Hudson performed a heart-warming rendition of "I Will Always Love You." Originally written by fellow GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton, the song netted Houston two awards at the 36th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 1993, including Record Of The Year.

Host LL Cool J led the packed Staples Center crowd in a prayer, while Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow also acknowledged Houston in his telecast remarks.

Houston died Feb. 11, the night prior to the GRAMMY telecast. She was remembered throughout the telecast by other artists including Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt.

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Whitney Houston autopsy completed

According to FoxNews

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said Sunday afternoon that an autopsy on pop icon Whitney Houston's body has been completed, but official results have been placed on hold, pending toxicology tests.

Los Angeles Deputy Coroner Ed Winter said at a press conference that the tests could take six to eight weeks to process.

Winter added that the Beverly Hills Police Department had requested a "security hold" on the results of the coroner's investigation, meaning no further details will be made available until the inquiry is complete.

He confirmed earlier comments made by police that "no foul play is suspected."

He also confirmed that Houston was found Saturday afternoon in a bath tub in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Prescription drugs had been found in the Beverly Hills Hilton hotel room where Houston's lifeless body was discovered Saturday afternoon just hours before a huge Grammy party she was to attend.

Police discovered a half dozen bottles of medication in Houston's room, TMZ reported, adding that family members said Houston had been taking the prescription drug Xanax, which is often used to treat anxiety.

When combined with alcohol, Xanax can cause drowsiness. Houston was reportedly found in her bathtub -- TMZ says her head was underwater -- and could not be revived by paramedics after being removed from the tub.

No alcohol was found in the preliminary sweep of Houston's room, TMZ reports, but there were multiple reports that Houston had been drinking with friends the night before at the hotel.

Houston had also attended rehearsals for the Grammys on Thursday, coaching singers Brandy and Monica, according to a person who was at the event but was not authorized to speak publicly about it. The person said Houston looked disheveled, was sweating profusely and liquor and cigarettes could be smelled on her breath.

She was also observed behaving "erratically" earlier in the week at a Los Angeles club, according to multiple reports.

Houston's body was removed from the hotel early Sunday morning, hours after the Grammy awards party she was there to attend had taken place four floors below her room.

Houston was again 48.

Source

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WHITNEY HOUSTON'S DAUGHTER Family Fears She Might Be Suicidal

According to TMZ:

In the wake of the death of Whitney Houston, family members fear that her daughter, 18-year-old Bobbi Kristina Brown, might be suicidal and are considering getting her help ... TMZ has learned.As TMZ first reported, Bobbi Kristina was taken to the hospital once last night and again this morning. We've been told she was "hysterical, exhausted and inconsolable." Sources close to the family tell TMZ ... the family believes she might try and take her own life. According to one source, the family feels Bobbi Kristina needs help and they are considering rehab as an option.

Bobbi got into it with cops last night after she was barred from seeing her mother's body.

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Bobby Brown Lands in L.A. After Whitney Houston's Death

Bobby Brown has just landed in Los Angeles.

After skipping a New Edition concert in Nashville, Brown made a beeline to the airport to get back to daughter Bobbi Kristina. The 18-year-old was briefly hospitalized with an anxiety attack Sunday, a day after mom Whitney Houston's tragic death.

And Brown is determined to help her cope.

"Obviously the death of her mother is affecting her, however, we will get through this tragedy as a family," he said in a statement to Extra. "Again, I ask for privacy during this time."

A throng of press gathered at LAX for the arrival of Brown. The singer, clad in a blue-and-gray hoodie, was accompanied by fiancée-manager Alicia Etheridge. He and his entourage quickly powered through the scrum to an awaiting vehicle. Brown didn't make any comments but appeared visibly upset.

Bobbi Krisitna, the only child of Houston and Brown, has been staying with Brown's other children in Los Angeles following her discharge.

She was in the Bevery Hilton when her mom was found unconcious in her hotel room and pronounced dead shortly afterward.

There has been a "security hold" put on Houston's autopsy results, while Beverly Hills police and the Los Angeles coroner continue to investigate the death of the 48-year-old icon. Officials did confirm Houston was found in hotel bathtub and that there was no sign of trauma.

Source

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Bobbi Kristina Brown, Daughter of Whitney Houston, Rushed to Hospital

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the 18-year old daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, has been rushed to the hospital.

TMZ broke the news, reporting that a stretcher carried Bobbi out of the Beverly Hills Hilton today, the same hotel where her mother passed away yesterday afternoon.

Insiders say authorities responded to a call there for a medical emergency around 10:30 a.m. local time and that Bobbi was "awake an alert at the time." She is reportedly under care for anxiety.



Tragically, Bobbi was in the lobby of the hotel when an ambulance arrived yesterday, screaming "What's wrong with her? What's wrong with her?" in regard to her mother, according to People. She was later taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center "because she was having a complete breakdown," says that magazine's source.

This hospital visit, however, appears to have stemmed from a separate incident.

New reports indicate that Houston was prone to taking Xanax prior to shows or major public appearance. She may have overdosed on that drug yesterday and fallen asleep in the bathtub, drowning.

The photo above, meanwhile, was snapped just a couple days ago, following a night out in Hollywood.

Source

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Clive Davis Mourns Whitney Houston at Pre-Grammy Awards Party

Clive Davis discovered Whitney Houston at a NYC nightclub when the singer was 20 years old.

It was therefore eerie and appropriate that the artist passed away, possibly from an overdose on prescription drugs, just a few hours prior to the music producer's annual pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel.

Alicia Keys Pays Tribute to Whitney Houston

The somber event did proceed as scheduled - with attendees including Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert, Brandy, Tom Hanks, P Diddy, Kim Kardashian and Mary J. Blige - and Davis opened the shindig with remarks abut Houston.

"So, by now sadly, we have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney's passing. I don't have to mask my emotions. Not in front of this room full of so many dear friends," Davis said. "I do have a very heavy heart and I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life.

"She was so looking forward to tonight... She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music."

A moment of silence followed, with Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Alicia Keys later performing.

On tonight's Grammys telecast, meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to Whitney.

Source

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Celebrities React to the Death of Whitney Houston

Within minutes of news spreading that Whitney Houston had passed away, the Twitterverse was filled with condolences from a wide variety of celebrities. Read on for a collection of their messages...

Whitney Houston: Her Final Performance

Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey): “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”

Katy Perry (@KatyPerry): “So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P.”

Justin Bieber (@JustinBieber): “just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family.”

Christina Aguilera (@TheRealXTina): “We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney’s family. She will be missed.”

Nicki Minaj (@NickiMinaj): “Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.”

Lea Michele (@MsLeaMichele): “I’m speechless. Such sad news about Whitney Houston.”‘

Serena Williams (@serenawilliams): “Wow just wow. This has ruined my whole day. #Iwillalwaysloveyou. #OneMomentInTime has propelled me to many of my grand slams victories.”

LeAnn Rimes (@leannrimes): “Whitney Houston was the first cd I ever bought. She had a God given gift. Hopefully, she’s singing with angels now.”

Chloe Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz): “Omg.. whitney houston died..we’ve lost another amazing singer.”

Rihanna (@Rihanna): “No words! Just tears #DearWhitney”

Matthew Morrison (@Matt_Morrison): “I’m very sad to hear about the passing of Whitney Houston, may she rest in peace.”

Source

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Whitney Houston Death May Have Been Caused By Prescription Drug Overdose, Drowning

Prescription drugs were present at the scene of Whitney Houston's tragic death, and it's possible the star drowned in the bathtub, according to reports.

No illegal drugs have been found in the hotel room where a member of the legendary singer's entourage found Whitney Houston dead on Saturday.

When EMTs arrived, Whitney's body was already removed from the bathtub.

It will take an autopsy to determine if she overdosed, drowned or died from some other cause. The medical examination is scheduled to take place imminently.

Beverly Hills police officers found various pill bottles in Houston's room at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, where she died yesterday at the age of 48.

There was no evidence that Whitney was drinking alcohol in the room.

Houston's body was removed from the room on a gurney and sent to the morgue for an autopsy to determine the official medical cause of death.

Paramedics performed CPR on the singer when alerted to her unresponsiveness but it did not work. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.

Our sources say there were no obvious signs of foul play, but a full investigation is ongoing. Whitney's body was ID'ed by family and friends.

[Photo: WENN.com]

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