Coroner: Whitney Died of Accidental Drowning

March 22, 2012

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After much speculation about Whitney Houston's tragic passing last month, Craig Harvey, Chief Coroner Investigator of Los Angeles County, revealed the department's findings in a press conference on Thursday.

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"The final cause of death has been established as drowning due to atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use," said Chief Harvey. "Other drugs were identified in toxicology, however their levels were at either a therapeutic or sub-therapeutic level. Therefore, they are not believed to be contributory to the death."

The other drugs found in Houston's system were listed as marijuana, alprazolam (Xanax), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

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Chief Harvey clarified that Houston is believed to have still been alive when she slipped under water, as water was found in her lungs. Harvey went on to state that Houston seemed to be healthy for a 48-year-old woman and that had it not been for her "pre-existing heart disease and cocaine use, she may not have drowned."

Houston died on February 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. A full report from the coroner is expected to be available within two weeks.


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