The latest on the shocking death of Brittany Murphy

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12:15 am, December 21st, 2009

UPDATE

 

UPDATED – 12:15AM

Brittany Murphy was severely ill shortly before suffering cardiac arrest.

The actress had been on prescription medication for “flu-like symptoms,” and had been heavily vomiting earlier in the morning, reports TMZ, which had a source saying, “There were a… lot of prescriptions in the house.”

What role the meds played in her death has yet to be determined. As reported first by Gossip Cop, an autopsy is slated for as early as later today or tomorrow. 

UPDATED – 10:25PM

Murphy’s family has issued the following statement:

“The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy. She was our daughter, our wife, our love and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

UPDATED – 7:10pm

Gossip Cop spoke with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. We learned that:

1. Brittany Murphy‘s body has just arrived.

2. Despite reports questioning whether an autopsy would be administered, Murphy will receive an autopsy, “as early as tomorrow” or possibly the next day.

EARLIER…

Actress Brittany Murphy has died.

She was 32.

Early this morning, Murphy went into full cardiac arrest and could not be revived. The Los Angeles Fire Department reports they received a call from a home belonging to Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack. Now an official in Los Angeles Coroner’s office confirms to Gossip Cop that they are in receipt of a preliminary death notice for Brittany Murphy, and that her body will be transported to their office later today.

A rep for Murphy e-mailed Gossip Cop to say the family thanks everyone for their “love and support,” and that “in this time of sadness,” the family asks the public to “respect their privacy.”

Sources told TMZ Murphy’s mother found the actress unconscious in the shower. She was unresponsive to CPR administered by paramedics on the scene and in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The actress was pronounced dead on arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Murphy starred in films including “Clueless,” “Just Married,” and “8 Mile.”

Her “Just Married” co-star and onetime boyfriend, Ashton Kutcher, Tweeted his condolences and then, simply, “see you on the other side kid.”

Gossip Cop‘s thoughts and prayers are with Murphy’s family.

We’ll have further details when they’re available.

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