Celebrity News

Joan Rivers’ cause of death revealed

A US medical examiner has revealed comedian Joan Rivers cause of death.
Joan_Rivers_by_David_Shankbone_(4403242489)

Hollywood star Joan Rivers died of brain damage from low blood oxygen during a medical procedure, a US medical examiner has ruled.

The 81-year-old passed away on September 4, a week after she went into cardiac arrest during a procedure to check out voice changes and reflux.

The comedian died from “anoxic encephalopathy due to hypoxic arrest” – brain damage due to lack of oxygen – during a procedure to scope her upper gastrointestinal tract and vocal folds, a spokeswoman for  New York city’s medical examiner explained.

The comedian was known for her brash New York accent, and sharp and witty opinions.

Rivers death was classified as a therapeutic complication. “The classification of a death as a therapeutic complication means that the death resulted from a predictable complication of medical therapy,” the Office of Chief Medical Examiner said.

The star’s daughter, Melissa Rivers released a statement shortly after the ruling. “We continue to be saddened by our tragic loss and grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support from around the world. We have no further comment at this time.”

Rivers is survived by her daughter and 13-year-old grandson, Cooper.

Photographs by: David Shankbone

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