Autopsy Determines Cocaine Caused Death of Bobby Hatfield, Half of Righteous Brothers

TBO.com ^ | 1/06/03 | AP

[kattracks]

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) - Righteous Brothers singer Bobby Hatfield's death in November was caused by cocaine and not just heart failure, according to the official autopsy report. Dr. Richard Tooker, chief medical examiner for Kalamazoo County, told the Kalamazoo Gazette in Monday's editions that Hatfield's death was triggered by acute cocaine intoxication.

Hatfield, 63, died Nov. 5 just hours before a Righteous Brothers concert. He and his partner, Bill Medley, had hits like "Unchained Melody," and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling."

An initial autopsy found Hatfield had advanced coronary disease. A heart attack due to the disease was listed on Hatfield's death certificate.

However, Tooker said a final cause of death was not determined until after toxicology reports were completed. The death certificate will be changed to reflect cocaine as the cause of death, he said.

Tooker's office received the report of cocaine intoxication on Dec. 24, but he asked for the information to be released after the holidays out of respect to Hatfield's family.

[StatesEnemy]

A 63 y/o coco-nut.

Just askin for trouble...

[Support Free Republic]

Here we go again folks... why not donate now and help get this fundraiser over with!

[speedy]

A great singer. Such a shame. But he brought in on himself, and now he's lost a lot more than just that lovin' feeling. Now he's gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh.

[camle]

OMG! how did he get the stuff? Was he doctor shopping? we need to open up his medical records in the event there might be something there.
quick! where's the special per-er-pro secutor?

[Huck]

Well, if it weren't for marijuana, he'd never have progressed to coke!

[DefCon]

Musicians using drugs?
Who'd a thunk it?

[smiley]

Chained by his own addiction.....lessons in life, kids.

[claptrap]

The dealer was probably a distant relative of the McCoy's.

[MJM59]

I was just listening to the Righteous Brothers this morning. This really bums me out. Effing drugs! There are so many other ways to get high in life. Doing what he did, singing like he could, for me, would be one of them. A true shame.

[tdadams]

Makes me wonder how Keith Richards is still alive and kicking.

[Lazamataz]

Makes me wonder how Keith Richards is still alive and kicking.

Keith Richard's connective tissue is made out of drugs.

[commish]

Kieth Richards died 14 years ago, his body is just so full of chemicals it hasnt realized it yet. I swear, someone is going to dig up Kieths body in 3000 years and marvel at the preservation techniques of our society ROFL.

As for hatfield - another case of a Celebrity ACCIDENTAL Suicide.

[Lazamataz]

was just listening to the Righteous Brothers this morning. This really bums me out. Effing drugs! There are so many other ways to get high in life. Doing what he did, singing like he could, for me, would be one of them. A true shame.

I don't mean this negatively, but you really don't understand addiction. The drugs actually cease to be fun. Why would you go back out if the drugs aren't even fun? It's addiction, which is a lot more that being about getting high.

[Lazamataz]

that = than

Whaddami, high???

[uncbob]

An initial autopsy found Hatfield had advanced coronary disease.

Probably years of smoking and junk food

[Lazamataz]

Kieth Richards can no longer travel abroad. Customs won't let him.

His body is such a high-drug-content you could snap off a finger and smoke it.

[Puppage]

how did he get the stuff?

Thank God only Pharmacists have access to drugs.Otherwise we could have a serious drug problem on our hands.

[commish]

His body is such a high-drug-content you could snap off a finger and smoke it.

Last time Keith came through JFK, 2 drug dogs passed out completely, and a third one was last seen eating all the brownies and donuts in the security office break room.

[Wolfie]

Man, them old dudes need to learn to lay off the stimulants.