Coroner begins investigation into death of Marie Osmond's son

Los Angeles police said Monday that the investigation into the death of Michael Blosil, the 18-year-old son of entertainer Marie Osmond, would be handled by the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

Friends and neighbors told authorities that Blosil had been struggling with depression when he jumped to his death Friday night from a downtown Los Angeles apartment building.

"It appears it was a suicide," said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon. "This is a young man from a close-knit family. It's very tragic."

Los Angeles patrol officers were initially dispatched to the call, but the case was not turned over to detectives as it was quickly determined that Blosil, a major in apparel manufacturing at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, battled depression before his death.

Investigators believe Blosil, one of seven children of Osmond and her ex-husband, Brian Blosil, fell 15 stories after jumping from a roof or balcony of the building where he lived. He left behind a suicide note, the contents of which were not disclosed.

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photos: Flowers were left on the sidewalk, top, outside the Met apartment building on South Flower Street in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night. At right, a banner outside the entrance to the building. Credit: Christie D'Zurilla / Los Angeles Times. More at Ministry of Gossip.

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Comments

[here]

I don't understand why they need an autopsy? He jumped.

[bill]

im sure valentines day did not help. its too bad he killed himself. can the LA times do more stories on the culture of jumping downtown? it is like seattle downtown it seems - why is that? why is it more common than the westside or hollywood for example? this is really a phenomenon worth investigating further - it taking some of the best young people - why?

[John C]

Bill, I am not sure that it is true that suicide is claiming "some of the best young people".

Anyone who kills themself must have at least a psychiatric problem. Mental illness may be the norm in America - I don't know - but anyone who is sufficiently sick to kill themself cannot be "the best".

[pauline]

Sorry for your lost Marie Osmond & family. My heart goes out to you at these
very sad time Send prayers at this time !

[Marie C. Canada]

It is so sad to hear about the Osmond family loss. Depression is on going and its had as a family member to have to go through this. We as parents just don't have enough information to help we can never do enough for our children and something like this has to happen. My Heart goes out to Marie Osmond and her family.Just know you are not alone.

[greg]

Why the autopsy? Because California law holds that an autopsy shall take place when a death occurs outside a doctor's care. Thus, unless the person dies in a hospital or has died from an illness for which they were being treated (i.e. via hospice, etc.) an autopsy will usually take place.

[John is a jerk]

Um, John, you can be a brilliant and wonderful human being and commit suicide because of major depression (feelings of judgment on oneself, guilt, treatment by others, mental anguish caused by molecular malfunction, constant abuse, like for appearance, gender differences, being GLBT, or even for a bad trip on a drug - people make mistakes)

and yes, his killing himself is a horrible mistake, but to insinuate he DEFINITELY was not a high quality individual overall is so sick and judgmental. Shame on you, John.

[Ruby Jackson]

Depression is more deadly than cancer. With cancer, you at least have hope, with depression, there is no hope.

My sister committed suicide a few years ago, and it's a unique kind of pain. Worse than any other, except maybe murder. My condolences to the family.

[Helen L.Williams]

My prays go out to the family,it is hard to lose a child for any mother and with one being in the publis eye is harder.God Bless you all.

[JRotten]

Was he gay? Before any one attacks me let me just explain why i ask. A close friend of mine is gay and had horrible issues growing up in a strict morman family that would just never accept his life-style choice. he has had issues with depression since early adolessance, and continues to this day (33yrs. old now)strugles with the pain of never really feeling accepetd by them. He has attempted suicide at least once that i know of, and has been in therapy for many years.....just wondering.