Brittany's death blamed on drugs
Carly Crawford From: Herald Sun December 21, 2009 11:07PM
So young: Brittany Murphy has died at theage of 32. Source: AP
US actress Brittany Murphy dies
Movie star Brittany Murphy has died of a heart attack in Los Angeles aged 32.
Views today: 3
HOLLYWOOD starlet Brittany Murphy may have been killed by the same prescription drugs that claimed the life of pop prince Michael Jackson.
Friends of the 32-year-old beauty, who won acclaim for her performances in Clueless and 8 Mile, said she had become hooked on painkillers since having a series of plastic-surgery operations.
The drugs reportedly included Vicodin, which Jackson was known to abuse before he died in June.
The fragile actress was looking forward to spending the New Year Down Under for a voice role in the sequel to Australian director George Miller's animated hit Happy Feet.
She was "more than excited" about plans to fly to Sydney with actor Elijah Wood to revive her role as baby penguin Gloria in a 3D version of the Oscar-winning film.
Murphy died of a heart attack yesterday after her mother found her unconscious in the shower.
A Los Angeles County coroner's official said it appeared she died of natural causes.
But Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said authorities were looking into her medical history and there would be an autopsy.
Friends said they believed her death was brought on by a long struggle with prescription drugs.
"We have been very worried something like this was about to happen," one friend said.
"Brittany has been living life on the edge. She definitely had a drug problem and we have all begged her to seek help. Sadly our words fell on deaf ears."
It was reported that several prescriptions were found in the house and Murphy had been very ill with flu-like symptoms in the hours before her heart attack.
Sources say various prescriptions were found in the home, written for Murphy, her husband - screen writer Simon Monjack - and her mum.
"There were a lot ... a lot of prescriptions in the house," one source said
All medication found in the house will be examined as part of the investigation. Toxicology tests will also be carried out, which could take up to six weeks.
The actress was also plagued by rumours of an eating disorder and cocaine abuse - which she strongly denied. She was reported to have been "unsteady on her feet" at the Hollywood premiere of her new movie, Across The Hall, which opened three weeks ago.
Paramedics were alerted to the drama by a 911 call from her mother, Sharon Murphy.
They arrived about 8am to find the actress suffering a heart attack. They tried to revive her at home and on the way to the hospital.
Neighbours said her husband appeared dazed as paramedics tried to revive her outside their home. He was wearing pyjamas and no shoes.
"He was walking around completely dazed and in shock ... he was just staggering around," neighbour Clare Staples said.
"I saw five firemen bring her down on a gurney and they were trying to resuscitate her. I think she was fairly obviously dead at that time."
Reports indicated Mr Monjack did not want an autopsy, but it would go ahead.
Murphy's death came weeks after she was allegedly fired from her role in new film The Caller after her "difficult behaviour" angered the crew. Her agent said she quit due to "creative differences".
It also comes after her husband was rushed to hospital after landing in LA on a flight from Puerto Rico earlier this month.
He was said to be "incoherent" and suffering breathing problems.
Murphy landed her first Hollywood role at 14 and starred in a host of films including Don't Say a Word and Sin City.
Actress Alicia Silverstone paid tribute to her Clueless co-star, saying: "I always felt connected to her as we shared a very special experience in our lives together.
"I feel love in my heart for her - and hope she is at peace. This is truly sad. I loved working with Brittany. She was so talented, so warm, and so sweet."
Former boyfriend Ashton Kutcher, who is married to Demi Moore, wrote a touching message on his Twitter page: "2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. See you on the other side, kid."
- with agencies
Bookmarks