Toxicology tests for Murphy

2009-12-21 21:05

Los Angeles - Los Angeles coroners were to carry out an autopsy on the body of Brittany Murphy on Monday following the 32-year-old's sudden death at the weekend.

Assistant Coroner Ed Winter said initial reports indicated that the star of Clueless and 8 Mile died from heart-related causes, but said toxicology tests would also be carried out.

The TMZ.com entertainment website reported meanwhile that Murphy was very ill in the hours before her death on Sunday and that multiple prescription drugs were discovered in her home.

Los Angeles Police Department investigators said on Sunday foul play was not suspected in the death following preliminary inquiries.

News of Murphy's death comes after a medical drama involving her husband Simon Monjack in November, when an ambulance was called to a Los Angeles airport arrival gate as the couple returned from Puerto Rico.

Difficult behaviour

On that occasion, it was her husband who was rushed to hospital. Reports said the couple had been returning to Los Angeles after Murphy was thrown off the set of a movie and fired for difficult behaviour.

Murphy made her name in television sitcoms during the 1990s before grabbing notable roles in Girl, Interrupted, Sin City, and Happy Feet.

She provided the voice of Luanne Platter in more than 200 episodes of the animated television sitcom King Of The Hill.

Celebrities meanwhile took to micro-blogging site Twitter to express their grief over Murphy's death.

"Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of Light to so many people. Her smile was contagious. My prayers are with her family and loved ones," wrote Jessica Simpson.

"My deepest condolences go out to all of Brittany Murphy's loved ones & may she rest in peace... She was a great talent w/a beautiful soul," Lindsay Lohan wrote.

Meanwhile celebrity blogger Perez Hilton struck a sombre note, saying Murphy's death followed a "decade of decadence" in the entertainment world.

"Hollywood loses another bright soul... how many more? A decade of decadence and devastation. Time to wake up," Hilton tweeted.

- AFP