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Brittany Murphy Likely Died From Natural Causes, Says Coroner

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 21st 2009 07:58AM

Fans and friends were shocked by the untimely death of actress Brittany Murphy on Sunday morning. The 'Clueless' and 'Girl, Interrupted' actress went into full cardiac arrest, and paramedics were unable to revive her. Murphy, 32, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and LA County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter told the press Sunday evening that the tragedy was likely the result of natural causes, reports Access Hollywood.

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.

Some colleagues were concerned about Murphy weeks before her death. The actress showed up for the for the opening of Tt Collection's Pop-Up shop in LA, looking rail thin. Reports that she'd been let go from a film shooting for disrupting the set were denied by her rep, who claimed, "She was not nor has she ever been fired from any job big or small ... [Due] to creative differences Ms. Murphy and the production mutually parted ways."

The director of Murphy's 2008 project 'Across the Hall,' Alex Merkin, said that the actress was always professional but acknowledged she'd been dealing with personal issues. "I just remember she was going through a lot at the time surrounding her husband being in the hospital."

Sources claim that Murphy herself didn't cause the disruption on set - husband of two years, Simon Monjack did. ""Monjack came on the set inebriated," 'Shrinking Charlotte' director Michael Z Gordon told The Hollywood Reporter. "The producers wanted to keep him away. Brittany of course defended him. And so she was let go."

TMZ reports that the actress had experienced flu-like symptoms in the days leading to her death, and that Murphy was seriously ill a few hours before she collapsed. Sources told the website that Murphy began vomiting early Sunday morning. The sources also claimed that authorities found no illegal drugs in Murphy's home, but it is apparent that the actress was taking some prescription medications. After the 911 call, Murphy's mother Sharon told paramedics her daughter was diabetic.

Witnesses told TMZ that Murphy's husband told hospital staff that he did not want an autopsy performed on his wife. However, as part of the coroner's investigation, a pending autopsy has been confirmed.

"We don't have an autopsy scheduled yet, but we will do it as soon as possible," Kades said. "Given all the worldwide attention, if we can get it done [Monday], we will."

"The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy," Murphy's family said in a statement. "She was our daughter, our wife, our love and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this time."

Murphy made her big splash in Hollywood in 1995's 'Clueless,' in which she played the ditzy character Tai. She went on to co-star in popular films like 'Girl, Interrupted' with Angelina Jolie and '8 Mile,' where she played Eminem's love interest. She was also the voice of Luanne Platter for more than 230 episodes of the popular Fox cartoon sitcom 'King of the Hill.'

Aside from acting, Murphy also dabbled in music occasionally. In 2006, she scored a hit by pairing up with DJ Paul Oakenfold on the song 'Faster Kill Pussycat,' which became a club staple. She also covered two songs -- including Queen's 'Somebody to Love' -- in the animated movie 'Happy Feet.'

Ashton Kutcher, who shared the screen with Murphy in 2003's 'Just Married' and also dated her, spoke out on his Twitter to remember his friend. "See you on the other side kid ... 2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany's family, her husband, & her amazing mother Sharon," Kutcher wrote. See More Stars Tweeting About Murphy >>>

Tags: brittany murphy, BrittanyMurphy, simon monjack, SimonMonjack

Comments

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Monday 21 December

By Mary

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What the heck! Instead of listing Michael Jackson, you listed Mickey Rourke's DOG!!! I love dogs, but this was supposed to be about famous celebrity PEOPLE that died in 2009!!!

R.I.P. Brittany Murphy! The world will miss your sunny smile and amazing talent!

Monday 21 December

By stereocrumb

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It really baffles me that people are so ignorant. When a person dies young it doesn't mean they were on drugs. As you can see there were no illegal substances found at her home. Not to mention she was a diabetic and was on some prescription medication. Diabetes can have an effect on your organs. She could've had a reaction to a medication she was using as well. With that being said, stop jumping the gun and making assumptions as to what happened. I'm sure her family is dealing with enough b.s. as it is.

Monday 21 December

By marc

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Very sad, in light of the pressures forced on this doe eyed young lady by both the negativies of a dysfunctional spouse and a seemingly apathetic show biz industry that only reinforced the cruelties. To the point she was taking very poor care of herself. Society places horrible cruelties on its women. Worse nowadays, than I've ever seen in my lifetime- even worse than forty years ago. People treat people- horribly nowadays. Get a clue America. You're a mess.

Monday 21 December

By Ryan

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The Fed is getting ready to pass the most criminal healthcare bill in our history and this is the top front page story on AOL. Now I know the New World Order is real. Cover up the media with deaths of c list actors so we will not notice our country being taken from us.

Monday 21 December

By lois

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Although her death is sad. You are so right! Does anyone pay this much attention to matters that will directly affect their lives!!!!

Monday 21 December

By Chobiyasha

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Well, they won't shut up about this damn health care bill on any of the tv news, so this is really the only place to find any other news.
*here's hoping the Dems side with the Reps and don't pass this bill, at least until they figure out away to make it not screw every american*

Monday 21 December

By Patti

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Ryan-

Turn off Fox & Friends for a minute.

Monday 21 December

By R. Boyce

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Ryan - we are all pk deficient ... meaning we have less than optimal amounts of niacin in our bodies that clean out the toxins. If we don't have enough of these and keep adding more vaccines, medications, etc. (all that have metals) we are choking ourselves. Please help pass the word. This poor girl died because the doctors aren't willing to treat for vitamin deficiencies.

Monday 21 December

By Tyler

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32, cocaine/speedball overdose.

Monday 21 December

By tatorkid

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did anyone catch the part about her husband not wanting an autopsy done? Hmm that just sends red flags up there a little. Not accusing just why would you not want to find out how your wife died?

Monday 21 December

By Tammy

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I know what you are saying and it crossed my mind as well but my 25 year old son recently died suddenly from a car accident and the thought of his beautiful body being subjected to an autopsy freaks me out to the point that I have not even asked if they did one because I don't need any more things to have nightmares over regarding his accident,the things I know are terrible enough.

Monday 21 December

By tatorkid

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Hey tammy sorry to hear about your son yes I agree with you on that one sometomes too much info isnt always whats needed to heal. Its just her husband was causing alot of trouble for her on her last set thats why the red flags. Try to have a somewhat happy holiday its going to be tough but i am sure your son wouldnt want you to stay sad too long. God bless

Monday 21 December

By Kathy

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I am truly sorry but, STARVATION is not natural!!!!!!

Monday 21 December

By Kathy

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But, then again in HOLLYWOOD maybe it is

Monday 21 December

By Duke

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Murphy was hot in 8 mile. Never will forget her. Sad to hear of her untimely death.

Monday 21 December

By MikeH

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If she in fact was a type 1 diabetic, and had gotten the flu she could well have died from natural causes. Doesn't happen often but a real possibility.

Monday 21 December

By Brenda

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The bible says that only God knows how long our life will be "your days are numbered, just as the hairs on your head are numbered". And God knows both of these numbers. Make sure you are saved! Don't think that there will always be tomorrow to seek God and his son, Jesus! People put off God, because they think they need to strive and succeed and be everything first. But God says "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all else will be given to you". People have it backwards.

Monday 21 December

By R. Boyce

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She's too young to have died of natural causes. Has anyone checked her cholesterol levels. Is there a possibility that she had the Gardasil vaccine? I have been researching it for almost a year and know that it can severely increase the LDL levels in the blood.

I am so sad for her family and friends. Nobody should have to die this young - in the prime of her life. My prayers go out to all of them.

Monday 21 December

By fred

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What the hell is going on here.Ever time i turn around,Someones dying.Last week a freind died the same age.They said the same thing. To young to soon

Monday 21 December

By Dave

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Young people die of "natural causes" all the time. I had a friend that died at 36 from cardiac arrest. I knew another guy that died at 18 from having a defective "enlarged heart" which no one knew he had until he died. For a coroner to say he suspects "natural causes" just means there is no nothing preautopsy that makes him suspect murder or suicide.

I didn't know Brittnay, but I enjoyed many of her movies. She will be missed by her fans including myself. My condolences go out to her close friends and especially to her family.

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