In July 2011, at the age of 27, Amy Winehouse, whose drug and alcohol abuse was as well known as the lyrics to her top-selling albums, passed away and the cause was ruled as alcohol poisoning. A few months ago the cause of death was changed to “undetermined” as the coroner overseeing the autopsy was revealed to not have the proper credentials and qualifications. Now a second inquest, has confirmed the initial reports and the singer indeed did die from accidental alcohol poisoning.
BBC News reports that the official overlooking the new inquest, Dr. Shirley Radcliffe has ruled that Winehouse died of “alcohol toxicity” with blood-alcohol content “commonly associated with fatality.” Amy’s personal physician, who saw her frequently because of her poor health, was interviewed and said the singer was not suicidal, “she specifically said she did not want to die,” but that, “she was genuintely unwilling to follow the advice of doctors.”
Winehouse passed away on July 23rd, 2011 in her apartment in Camden, England with over five times the legal drunk driving limit of alcohol in her system. She had been drug free for some time, but obviously still struggled with alcohol abuse. At the time of her death two empty bottles of vodka were found in her room, and consuming that level of alcohol caused alcohol toxicity which likely led to respiratory arrest.
This past summer, Nas released a single “Cherry Wine” which featured vocals from the deceased singer, who he not only collaborated with, but considered a personal friend.
[Via MTV]
