While the official results of the autopsy performed on Whitney Houston will not be known for some time, TMZ is reporting that family members have been informed that the iconic singer, whose death shocked pop fans this past Saturday, died as a result of a toxic mixture of alcohol and prescription drugs.
Houston was just 48.
While speculation has swirled regarding the potential role of drugs in Houston's untimely death, first reports indicated that, despite the singer's long and well-publicized history of substance abuse, drugs did not appears to be a factor in her death.
Instead, Houston was believed to have drowned, as she was discovered submerged in her hotel room bathtub; attempts to resuscitate her proved futile.
Now, however, TMZ is reporting that the L.A. County Coroner's office has determined "there was not enough water in Whitney's lungs to lead to the conclusion that she drowned."
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter cautioned against jumping to any early conclusions.
"I know there are reports that she maybe was drowned or did she overdose, but we won't make a final determination until all the tests are in," Winter said according to a CNN report.
According to TMZ, Houston's body was discovered by her aunt, Mary Jones, who briefly left the hotel room where Houston was preparing for the evening. The aunt was gone for about a half hour and found Houston in the bathroom, unresponsive, upon her return. Jones entered the bathroom, pulled Houston out of the tub and began administering CPR.
According to the Associated Press, the police have determined there is no evidence of foul play. "As of right now, it's not a criminal investigation," Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen told a news conference. "We have concluded our portion of the investigation at the hotel."
Arrangements for Houston's funeral, which is expected to be held later this week, are still pending. NBC reported that the singer's body will be flown to New Jersey, where the Whigham Funeral Home will handle the arrangements.
