Newsmaker

Actress Brittany Murphy's death 'accidental'

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-05 15:09

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy died accidentally, both as the result of illness and multiple drug intoxication, it was announced on Thursday.

The 32-year-old actress died December 20. She was found apparently lifeless at her Hollywood Hills home and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Suffering from "community acquired pneumonia" and iron deficiency anemia, Murphy took multiple drugs before her death, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

Under "how injury occurred," the coroner's office listed "drug intake."

Last month, TMZ.com reported that it had obtained notes written by a coroner's investigator that indicated numerous prescription drugs were found on Murphy's nightstand, including: Topamax, an anti-seizure medication also used for migraine headaches; Methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory and Fluoxetine, a medication for depression.

A full autopsy report will be available in about two weeks, the coroner's office said.

Rising out of the TV sitcoms of the 1990s, Murphy starred in the movies "Girl Interrupted," "Sin City," "8 Mile" and "Happy Feet".