Why Anna Nicole Smith died
Published: Friday, March 23, 2007
The results of an autopsy on Anna Nicole Smith will be revealed Monday morning – and it is expected that investigators will announce a drug overdose and blood infection caused her death.
Joshua Perper, Chief Medical Examiner for Broward County, Florida, and Seminole police chief Charlie Tiger will discuss details of the cause of death at a press conference scheduled for 10:30 am Eastern time.
A report by both Star and National Enquirer claims Smith died with a toxic level of chloral hydrate – a sleep medication – in her system. She also had a serious blood infection that contributed to her death on Feb. 8.
According to the publications, the blood infection was caused by an unsterilized needle used just three days before her death to inject an unknown substance in her left buttock. As she flew from Bahamas to Florida, Smith developed a painful abscess and fever.
Sources told the Star/National Enquirer team that upon arriving at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the former Playboy Playmate had a fever of 105. She allegedly developed a second infection from a virulent form of norovirus, which causes intestinal problems.
But, the publications report, instead of taking Smith to a hospital, her entourage gave her an ice bath to bring down her fever and allegedly administered the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and an over-the-counter flu medicine.
The report claims Smith began vomiting and suffered severe diarrhea and dehydration.
On Feb. 7, Smith reportedly told those caring for her that she wanted to sleep. Star and National Enquirer claim she was given a toxic dose of chloral hydrate, a potent sleep medication. She never woke up.
Smith was pronounced dead at 2:49 pm, just over an hour after a nurse found her unresponsive.
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