#JoanRivers Cause Of Death Revealed: Lack Of Oxygen To Brain During Surgery

Joan Rivers died of lack of oxygen to the brain during throat surgery according to the New York City Medical Examiner's office. An official statement released today reads:

“OCME [Office of the Chief Medical Examiner] has completed its investigation. The cause of Ms. Rivers’ death is anoxic encephalopathy due to hypoxic arrest during laryngoscopy and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with propofol sedation for evaluation of voice changes and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The manner of death is therapeutic complication. The classification of a death as a therapeutic complication means that the death resulted from a predictable complication of medical therapy.”

Joan died in a New York City hospital on September 4 at the age of 81.