Whitney Houston: Death an accidental drowning; cocaine found in system

For the saga of Whitney Houston's sudden death in February, a sad conclusion came on Thursday: An autopsy confirms accidental drowning as the official cause, and a screening revealed cocaine in the singer's system. 

L.A. County Chief Coroner Craig Harvey also confirmed marijuana, Xanax, Flexeril (a muscle relaxant) and Benadryl in Houston's system, though those drugs weren't connected to her death.

While the amount of cocaine Houston took is still being determined, the coroner's report said the drug "exacerbated her heart condition."

Just two days before this year's Grammy Awards telecast, Houston's body was discovered in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles. The music industry and fans worldwide mourned the singer for weeks, as did her famous peers.

Houston was survived by daughter Bobbi Kristina, who inherited her estate.  

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Photo: Whitney Houston onstage during the taping of "25 Strong: The BET Silver Anniversary Celebration" in 2005. Credit: Vince Bucci / Getty Images

With Oprah, Patricia Houston relives the day Whitney Houston died

 

Describing events the day Whitney Houston died brought sister-in-law Patricia Houston to the brink of tears in an "Oprah's Next Chapter" interview that aired Sunday night on OWN.

After a normal morning, Patricia, who was Whitney's manager, went to the singer's room to grab something pertaining to the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party to be held that night. "I heard screams and I saw the hairstylist drop to her knees, and I kept walking very slow," she told Oprah Winfrey, who led her gently but specifically through the events of what to that point had been "a usual day."

"A woman opened her door and said, 'Is everything all right?' I said, 'Dial 911,' and I just kept walking. I didn't run. ... I knew something was wrong."

Patricia rounded the corner to find Whitney's assistant Mary at the door screaming, "Oh my God."

"I told her to stop," she said, "I said, 'Calm down please, just calm down,'" still not knowing in full what was going on.

"When I got into the room, I saw my brother [Ray, a security guard] trying to revive her, to the point of exhaustion."

By then, the paramedics had arrived.

"I said, 'Ray, let it go.' They asked him to move. He was on his knees. He said, 'I tried.' He was so out of breath. I felt so badly for him. So badly for him."

Whitney Houston died Feb. 11 at the Beverly Hilton. She was found submerged in a bathtub at the hotel. No official cause of death has yet been determined, pending results of toxicology and other tests.

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Twitter.com/dzurillaville
Christie D'Zurilla on Google+

 

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Category: Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was 'coming through something,' hairstylist says

March 9, 2012 |  2:55 pm

   

 

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Whitney Houston was not working on a comeback but rather a "come through," according to her hairstylist, Tiffanie Dixon, who described the late singer as "America's princess."

"We talked about it and she's like, 'I never went anywhere. It's a come through. I'm coming through something,' " Dixon told the "Today" show Friday.

Though it was first rumored that Dixon was the one who found Houston submerged in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton on Feb. 11, the hairstylist shot that story down. She said was coming to help Whitney get ready for Clive Davis' pre-Grammys party when she came upon the scene in the bathroom and saw her friend and employer "from afar," already pulled out of the tub.

"I saw that she was unresponsive, and I immediately turned around to get help," she said, noting that she tried to comfort a shocked Bobbi Kristina Brown, Houston's daughter, in the hallway outside the room.

After the interview, Dixon thanked her Twitter followers for "your support and kind words," and noted she'd also be on "Dateline" on Friday night.

The cause of Houston's death has not been determined, though Beverly Hills police have said they do not believe foul play was involved. An autopsy was conducted, but results of toxicology and other tests are not yet in. After a funeral Feb. 18 in Newark, N.J., Houston was buried the next day at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J., where her father is also interred.

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Monkees won't attend Davy Jones' funeral, Micky Dolenz says

Davy Jones' funeral will not be the stage for a reunion of his former Monkees bandmates, according to the group's Micky Dolenz, who said his understanding was that the family wanted to keep the service "low-key" and avoid a "media circus."

Dolenz told Billboard.com that if he, Peter Tork or Mike Nesmith were to show up by themselves or together, "it would very quickly be degraded into something that I don't think his immediate family would want to deal with."

The three had, however, spoken with one another since Jones' death, he said, and were all "in shock."

"Davy was the youngest and had a pretty healthy lifestyle and was ... the last one I thought would be first," Dolenz said.

According to family sources, Jones' body will be cremated and a memorial service — date to be determined — will be held in his home state of Florida, TMZ said Tuesday. Public memorials are also being planned for New York and England.

Jones died of a heart attack Wednesday. He was 66.

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Photo: The Monkees in 1967, from left, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz. Credit: Associated Press

Davy Jones dead at 66; celebrities react on Twitter

With news that Davy Jones of the Monkees was dead at 66 after suffering a heart attack Wednesday morning at his home in Florida, the tone of celebrity reactions on Twitter was nothing if not a bit wistful.

"Davy Jones of the Monkees is dead," wrote Al Roker of the "Today" show. "He was 66 years old. A little bit of my youth just died."

Said Neil Diamond, who wrote "I'm a Believer": "I'm sad to hear about Davy Jones. The Monkees were such a sensation that it was a thrill for me to have them record some of my early songs."

PHOTOS: Davy Jones | 1945 - 2012

"Eternal rest for Davy Jones who leaves a great legacy of music, fun and all the colors of the rainbow," wrote Nancy Sinatra.

"Sad news - RIP Davy Jones. My wife's childhood crush...," said Ralph Macchio, a teen idol himself.

Alyssa Milano, Michelle Branch and Will Smith tweeted rest in peace, with Smith adding, "Retweet for respect."

"Sad to hear of the passing of Davy Jones! Met him just last year, was very kind to me. Monkees should have been in R 'n R HOF years ago," said Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, referring to the Rock and  Roll Hall of Fame.  Julian Lennon said, "RIP Davy… You did some Great work! Condolences to The Jones Family."

Wil Wheaton expressed some shock -- "Oh my god Davy Jones died at 66. That's way too young" -- while Kevin Smith had a tiny bit of fun, invoking  touchstones from Jones' career -- "A Daydream ends ... His life was a big barrel of win (& Monkees). Marcia Brady will be inconsolable…"

Bravo's Andy Cohen also mentioned Jones' made-for-TV love: "RIP Davy Jones. Marcia had good taste."

Even Gilbert Gottfried, known for his harsh humor, was respectful: "True...David Bowie's real name is David Jones. That's why he had to change it to Bowie. R.I.P. Davy Jones."

For a trip back in time, watch Jones' adorable screen test, below; his bit starts around the six-minute mark, and don't worry, the sound does kick in.

 

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Photo: Davy Jones on stage in 2011. Credit: Mike Gray / EPA

Aretha Franklin: Enough talk on why she missed Whitney's funeral!

Aretha Franklin missed Whitney Houston's funeral Saturday, but there's simply no drama behind it all, the Queen of Soul insisted Wednesday, suggesting various media outlets should "stop the BS."

Franklin, who was invited to the funeral and reportedly on tap to sing "The Greatest Love of All," bowed out at the last minute for health reasons, leaving Dionne Warwick a bit surprised to learn that "Re" wasn't on hand when she was to step up to the front of the church.

Franklin explained in a statement Saturday obtained by "Extra" that she'd had every intention of attending, but "unfortunately I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles until 4:00 a.m. this morning following my concert last night, which I've been having for the last few days. I feel it necessary and very important to stay off my leg today as much as possible until concert time this evening.

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston's funeral

"My heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy [Houston], Dionne, Bobbi Kristina [Brown] and the rest of the family. May God keep them all."

But Wednesday's statement was another thing entirely.

"People are getting their information from the wrong source," Franklin said, according to the Detroit News. "The intelligent and the thoughtful thing to do would be to respect and have some sensitivity to the moment. If you don't know how, at least try. Cissy does not need ridiculous speculation and neither do I — particularly at this time."

The "ridiculous speculation" referred to talk of a rift between Cissy and Aretha, complete with an un-invitation, over comments the latter made in a "Today" interview that aired Friday.

Bobby Brown at Whitney's funeral: What went on inside the church?

This post has been updated, as indicated below.

Bobby Brown made news Saturday by leaving ex-wife Whitney Houston's funeral just as it was beginning -- and on Monday word came via CNN about what happened with the singer and his guests inside the church.

Raelyn Johnson, who according to the network was the only journalist in the church, had an interesting take on things, saying that she'd seen Brown enter and that he "was not the only celebrity who had musical chairs going on." She assumed that, looking distraught, he'd moved to the balcony where he could have more privacy. In fact, Brown wound up leaving the building.

"If you were in that church," Johnson said, "no one on the inside of that church knew that Bobby Brown was having any sort of drama."

Updated 11:52 a.m. Feb. 22: The Associated Press also had journalists reporting from inside the church. 

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston's funeral

She pointed out that at that sort of Baptist funeral, there are "strict protocols" about seating in the first few rows with the family: Those who wish to sit there must enter with the casket or, if the body is already in the church, must proceed in with the family, after the rest of the guests have been seated. Brown did not do that.

Johnson said that Brown entered the church with three other people, one of them his wife, and not a larger entourage as had been previously reported. However, when it came to being moved, "He was not singled out," Johnson said -- as more VIPs arrived, security relocated many guests.

"My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston," Brown said Saturday in a statement. "We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continued to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi Kristina.

"In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. ... I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how."

Brown played a concert with New Edition at the Mohegan Sun Arena Connecticut on Saturday night, and at Prudential Hall in Newark on Sunday.

Watch the CNN chat with Johnson, below.

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Photo: Singer Bobby Brown, left, with his guests outside New Hope Baptist Church during the funeral of ex-wife Whitney Houston in Newark, N.J., on Saturday. Credit: Mel Evans / Associated Press

Bobby Brown leaves church as Whitney Houston's funeral begins

This post has been updated, as indicated below.

Bobby Brown was invited to the funeral of Whitney Houston on Saturday, but he left shortly after the "home going" service began, reportedly over a seating dispute.

Brown's invite was for him plus two guests, but he showed up with an entourage of nine, according to TMZ, which said the singer became upset when the entire party could not be seated. Sources told the website that Brown wanted to sit with his daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown.

[Updated at 1:25 p.m. Feb. 18: Brown's rep has released a statement indicating that he and his children were invited, seated by security and then asked to move three times. "I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move," he said in the statement, adding that he was prevented from attempting to see Bobbi Kristina.

"Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how."]

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston's funeral

Bobbi Kristina, Whitney Houston's only child, was seated in the front row of the New Hope Baptist Church, where speakers and singers repeatedly addressed her and Cissy Houston directly during the nearly four-hour service.

According to CNN, Brown had entered the church, gone up to the casket and was crying over his ex-wife, but left in an SUV about 10 minutes into the service. Sources told CNN he chose to leave when his entourage could not be accommodated inside the church.

Following the service, Jesse Jackson told CNN  that he'd tried to get Brown to stay after the singer and several members of his entourage were asked to leave the front row. "That was a very difficult moment for all of us."

"It seems to me that they could have accommodated him better than they did," Jackson said.

Tweeting from outside the church, the Rev. Al Sharpton said, "I am at Whitney's funeral. I spoke with Bobby Brown trying to calm him down and not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney! I am going back in the services, I did my best out here. Can't tweet from inside the sanctuary, I hope the press will not distort the day."

After the service, Sharpton told CNN that Brown had shown nothing but respect, and asked that the singer be left alone.

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Photo: Bobby Brown is escorted to a vehicle during the funeral of his ex-wife Whitney Houston in New Jersey on Saturday. Credit: Mel Evans / Associated Press

Whitney Houston funeral: Who's performing and speaking?

This post has been updated, as detailed below.

Whitney Houston's funeral Saturday -- more properly a Baptist "home going" service -- will start at 9 a.m. PST at the singer's childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.

Here's who will be speaking and performing during the service, which is expected to run for up to three hours, according to CNN, TMZ and others.

The New Hope Mass Choir and New Jersey Mass Choir will start things off singing "The Lord Is My Shepherd," followed by a reading of scripture by the Rev. Joe Carter, then the Rev. Donnie McClurkin singing "Stand."

PHOTOS: Whitney Houston's funeral

Director and actor Tyler Perry, who reportedly provided his private jet to transport Houston's body back East after the autopsy following her death Saturday in Beverly Hills, will have remarks, followed by CeCe Winans singing "Stand" and then comments by the Rev. T.D. Jakes.

The Rev. Kim Burrell, prominent in the gospel community, will sing "I Believe in You and Me," followed by remarks from actor Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Houston in "The Bodyguard," which featured her famous song "I Will Always Love You."

[Updated, at 9:24 a.m. Feb. 18: Some changes were publicized as the service got going. Among the song selection changes were BeBe Winans singing "I Really Miss You," the Rev. Kim Burrell singing "A Change Is Gonna Come," Stevie Wonder singing "Love's in Need of Love Today" and CeCe Winans singing "Don't Cry for Me."]

Aretha Franklin, Houston's godmother, was then to have sung "The Greatest Love of All," but her rep said Saturday morning that she was ill and would not perform. She's scheduled to sing at Radio City Music Hall on Saturday night, CBS said.

FULL COVERAGE: Whitney Houston's death

Clive Davis, Houston's longtime music mentor, will speak, followed by bodyguard Ray Watson, and then "A Ribbon in the Sky" will be performed by Stevie Wonder.

Before a medley by Alicia Keys, band leader Rickey Minor will speak, and R. Kelly will follow Keys' medley with "I Look to You."

Patricia Houston and Dionne Warwick will then speak on behalf of the family, followed by CeCe Winans singing and the Rev. Marvin Winans performing the eulogy. 

The funeral will stream live online and will be broadcast on various TV networks.

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— Christie D'Zurilla
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Photo: Two women pause near a memorial display before funeral services for singer Whitney Houston at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., on Saturday. Credit: Mel Evans / Associated Press

Whitney Houston: Family members attend private viewing service

Whitney Houston's family gathered Friday evening in Newark, N.J., for a private viewing of the body of the singer, who died Saturday at the Beverly Hilton.

Mother Cissy Houston, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown and Dionne Warwick were among those spotted arriving at the Whigham Funeral Home, according to TMZ, which also reported music mentor Clive Davis stopping by briefly and then leaving before the 5 p.m. EST viewing service was to begin. The service reportedly ran about two hours.

Back at Los Angeles International Airport earlier in the day, the likes of Kevin Costner, Ray J and Brandy were photographed on their way to flights headed back East. Costner, Houston's costar in "The Bodyguard," is expected to speak at the funeral, which starts at noon EDT Saturday at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church.

FULL COVERAGE: Whitney Houston, 1963-2012

Bobby Brown, Houston's ex-husband and Bobbi Kristina's father, was officially invited to attend, Houston's publicist confirmed to the Associated Press, despite earlier rumors that he was being shunned by the family. Brown has a concert with New Edition scheduled for Saturday night in Connecticut.

Also on tap for the funeral are musical performances from Houston's godmother Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly and gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reported. Additional invited guests whosed names are popping up in assorted media reports include Elton John, Bill Cosby, David Bowie, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Diddy, Berry Gordy, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington.

Flags on state government buildings in New Jersey will fly at half-staff Saturday in honor of the singer, who was born in Newark and grew up in nearby East Orange.

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Photo: Whitney Houston's family members are helped as they arrive at Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, N.J., on Friday for a private viewing service. Credit: Mel Evans / Associated Press.

 

 

 

 

Nancy Grace defends her Whitney Houston death speculation [Poll]

Nancy Grace didn't apologize Thursday for her speculation earlier in the week regarding what Whitney Houston's autopsy might show -- rather, speaking on "Good Morning America," the HLN personality and "Dancing With the Stars" alum vigorously defended herself and her words.

"I'd like to know who was around her," Grace had said Monday on CNN, "who if anyone gave her drugs following alcohol and drugs, and who let her slip or pushed her underneath that water. Apparently no signs of force or trauma to the body; who let Whitney go under her water?"

Thusly -- after invoking the deaths of Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith -- did she stir up a hornet's nest, as folks wondered how in the world she'd opted to stretch toward the notion that Houston had possibly been murdered.

Grace saw it Thursday as a matter of semantics, saying that in "the real world," autopsies are about determining cause of death.

"I understand that some people would consider that jarring or harsh, but there is nothing delicate or nice about a murder, a death, an unexpected death, or an autopsy and that is what autopsies are for.

She dismissed the notion that wondering who "pushed her underneath that water" was speculation, noting that "in the same breath" she'd mentioned that there were no signs of force or trauma.

"You're arguing with me over semantics. ... It would have been true to say that they're looking for cause of death ... [but] what that means in the real world ... of an autopsy, of why her body was transported to the coroner's office, is to determine cause of death. ...

"It is not a homicide and I'm thankful for that," Grace said, "but I still want the truth."

Check out Nancy Grace on "GMA," below, and vote in the poll, then feel free to speculate in comments.

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Left photo: Nancy Grace. Credit: Reed Saxon / Associated Press

Right photo: Whitney Houston. Credit: Tibrina Hobson / WireImage