Joan Rivers’ autopsy results reveal cause of death
The New York City Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the cause of death of the late comedienne, Joan Rivers.
PA PhotosThe department confirmed that Rivers died following a complication during surgery that caused her brain to be starved of oxygen.
In a statement issue by the department yesterday, Julie Bolcer stated: "OCME [Office of 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."
The late star had undergone the operation in August in order to investigate voice changes and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Following the New York City Medical Examiner's Office report, Rivers' daughter Melissa tweeted: "In response to NYC's Medical examiner's report, we continue to be saddened by our tragic loss. No further comment at this time."
PA Photos
Joan Rivers tragically passed away on 4th September 2014 at the age of 81-years-old. The much-loved star drew a number of touching tributes from those in the limelight including Barack Obama.
SOURCE: DIGITAL SPY
ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
We really miss watching Joan Rivers on E! Fashion Police, her digs at celebrity frocky horror shows were hilarious.
If you miss the comedy legend as well, be sure to catch a special episode ofFashion Police tomorrow which sees Joan's Fashion Police family (Kelly Osbourne, Giuliana Rancic, and George Kotsiopoulos) honour the late comedienne with a touching and hilarious 90-minute on-air celebration. The tribute will be fitting for the woman whose sharp wit and biting comedy made her a legend to millions of fans, and who changed forever the face of Red Carpet fashion commentary.
Joan's daughter and Fashion Police executive producer, Melissa Rivers, will also join the panel to pay tribute.
The special will feature behind-the-scenes footage, including never-before-aired moments of Joan candidly joking with the cast and cracking up the studio audience, along with outtakes featuring Joan doing what she did best - making everyone within earshot of her laugh.
With no shortage of funny moments from which to choose, this tribute will feature some of the best of Joan's trademark 'did she really just say that' remarks and outlandish stunts, along with clips of some of the incredible guests from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports and more that joined Joan on the Fashion Police stage.
Personal stories from the co-hosts and daughter Melissa will round out this special to celebrate the gift of laughter Joan so freely shared with fans and Joan Rangers around the world.
Fashion Police: Celebrating Joan airs at Saturday 9.00pm in the UK.
ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Hugh Jackman appeared on The Tonight Show this week, and talked all about what it was like to sing at the late Joan Rivers's funeral.
Joan Rivers tragically passed away on 4th September 2014 at the age of 81-years-old. The much-loved star drew a number of touching tributes from those in the limelight including Barack Obama.
SOURCE: DIGITAL SPY
ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
We really miss watching Joan Rivers on E! Fashion Police, her digs at celebrity frocky horror shows were hilarious.
If you miss the comedy legend as well, be sure to catch a special episode ofFashion Police tomorrow which sees Joan's Fashion Police family (Kelly Osbourne, Giuliana Rancic, and George Kotsiopoulos) honour the late comedienne with a touching and hilarious 90-minute on-air celebration. The tribute will be fitting for the woman whose sharp wit and biting comedy made her a legend to millions of fans, and who changed forever the face of Red Carpet fashion commentary.
Joan's daughter and Fashion Police executive producer, Melissa Rivers, will also join the panel to pay tribute.
The special will feature behind-the-scenes footage, including never-before-aired moments of Joan candidly joking with the cast and cracking up the studio audience, along with outtakes featuring Joan doing what she did best - making everyone within earshot of her laugh.
With no shortage of funny moments from which to choose, this tribute will feature some of the best of Joan's trademark 'did she really just say that' remarks and outlandish stunts, along with clips of some of the incredible guests from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports and more that joined Joan on the Fashion Police stage.
Personal stories from the co-hosts and daughter Melissa will round out this special to celebrate the gift of laughter Joan so freely shared with fans and Joan Rangers around the world.
Fashion Police: Celebrating Joan airs at Saturday 9.00pm in the UK.
ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Hugh Jackman appeared on The Tonight Show this week, and talked all about what it was like to sing at the late Joan Rivers's funeral.
PA Photos
"It was amazing," Hugh told Jimmy Fallon. "I must admit: I've been to several funerals, and I've always kind of felt for the person who has to sing. I've always said, 'Oh, how do you do that?'"
Joan asked Hugh to perform after seeing him in a Broadway musical ten years ago. "When Joan Rivers asks, you just answer," Hugh said. "She had planned everything out. She had seen me in a show called The Boy from Oz, which I did here on Broadway. And I sang a song from that. It was called Quiet Please, There's A Lady On Stage. It's a beautiful celebration of a woman, and it was for her."
"The entire audience in the synagogue got up and started clapping and cheering,"Hugh said. "The whole thing was very uplifting, very touching and moving, but funny."
Jimmy Fallon agreed that Joan would have wanted it to be funny - and there was even a bagpipe performance.
"When the bagpipes came out at the end, everyone just started laughing,"Hugh laughed. "Out come the bagpipes! It was perfect."
"She was an amazing woman and it was an appropriate send-off, and I felt honored to be a part of it."
You can watch the full video here - as well as seeing Hugh stretched out on the sofa like a naughty schoolboy, refusing to leave the set when Jimmy told him to "get out of my house!"
ON MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Joan Rivers famously said that she wanted her funeral to be a huge celebrity affair, with "Meryl Streep crying in five different accents" and "a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyoncé's".
"It was amazing," Hugh told Jimmy Fallon. "I must admit: I've been to several funerals, and I've always kind of felt for the person who has to sing. I've always said, 'Oh, how do you do that?'"
Joan asked Hugh to perform after seeing him in a Broadway musical ten years ago. "When Joan Rivers asks, you just answer," Hugh said. "She had planned everything out. She had seen me in a show called The Boy from Oz, which I did here on Broadway. And I sang a song from that. It was called Quiet Please, There's A Lady On Stage. It's a beautiful celebration of a woman, and it was for her."
"The entire audience in the synagogue got up and started clapping and cheering,"Hugh said. "The whole thing was very uplifting, very touching and moving, but funny."
Jimmy Fallon agreed that Joan would have wanted it to be funny - and there was even a bagpipe performance.
"When the bagpipes came out at the end, everyone just started laughing,"Hugh laughed. "Out come the bagpipes! It was perfect."
"She was an amazing woman and it was an appropriate send-off, and I felt honored to be a part of it."
You can watch the full video here - as well as seeing Hugh stretched out on the sofa like a naughty schoolboy, refusing to leave the set when Jimmy told him to "get out of my house!"
ON MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Joan Rivers famously said that she wanted her funeral to be a huge celebrity affair, with "Meryl Streep crying in five different accents" and "a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyoncé's".
Getty Images
"I want my funeral to be a big showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action," the much-loved comedian wrote in her 2012 book. "I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene! I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don't want some rabbi rambling on."
PA Photos
And while she may not have had the wind machine or Meryl Streep, Joan's funeral on the weekend, at Manhattan's Temple Emanu-El, was indeed a celebrity affair, with tributes, eulogies and a song by Hugh Jackman.
The funeral was attended by celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Kelly Osbourne and Donald J. Trump, and featured the New York City Gay Men's Chorus performing songs such as What a Wonderful World and Big Spender.
"I want my funeral to be a big showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action," the much-loved comedian wrote in her 2012 book. "I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene! I want it to be Hollywood all the way. I don't want some rabbi rambling on."
PA PhotosAnd while she may not have had the wind machine or Meryl Streep, Joan's funeral on the weekend, at Manhattan's Temple Emanu-El, was indeed a celebrity affair, with tributes, eulogies and a song by Hugh Jackman.
The funeral was attended by celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Kelly Osbourne and Donald J. Trump, and featured the New York City Gay Men's Chorus performing songs such as What a Wonderful World and Big Spender.
Rex Features
Speeches were given by Margie Stern, Cindy Adams and Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers, in which Joan was described as "brassy in public" and "classy in private" and a "troublemaker, trail blazer, pioneer for comics everywhere, never apologizing and never caring what people thought."
Speeches were given by Margie Stern, Cindy Adams and Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers, in which Joan was described as "brassy in public" and "classy in private" and a "troublemaker, trail blazer, pioneer for comics everywhere, never apologizing and never caring what people thought."
PA Photos
Comedian Howard Stern said of Joan: "She fought the stereotypes that women can't be funny, they should stay in their place, stay home. Courageously, she fought to save her family after her husband's suicide; she fought to rebuild her career after Johnny banned her from 'The Tonight Show' and the Fox show was canceled. She fought the bigotry toward gay people."
Joan may not have got her wish for Meryl Streep's attendance - but it's clear that in Hollywood, and all over the world, she will be greatly missed.
ON FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
When news of Joan Rivers' death broke last night, many of her fellow famous friends paid tribute to the funny TV host and comedian on social media. Here's a selection of what they said.
Kelly Osbourne/Facebook
Kelly Osbourne led the celebrity tributes with a Facebook post that brought a tear to our eyes. She wrote: "I'm completely heartbroken by the loss of my beloved Joan. Not only was she my boss, she was and will always be my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew. She was family and I will never forget her. Laughter will be difficult for a while but when I'm sad, lonely or upset all I will have to do is think of Joan and a smile will cross my face. Laughter is what she gave us and laughter is what she would want us to do in remembrance of her. Melissa and Cooper, my thoughts are with you and I love you both so much. Joan, thank you for taking me in and loving me as a daughter. I will miss you deeply and will always hear your voice in my head saying 'my darling get out there and be you!'"
Kelly also shared a video of the moment when she first met Joan,
Comedian Howard Stern said of Joan: "She fought the stereotypes that women can't be funny, they should stay in their place, stay home. Courageously, she fought to save her family after her husband's suicide; she fought to rebuild her career after Johnny banned her from 'The Tonight Show' and the Fox show was canceled. She fought the bigotry toward gay people."
Joan may not have got her wish for Meryl Streep's attendance - but it's clear that in Hollywood, and all over the world, she will be greatly missed.
ON FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
When news of Joan Rivers' death broke last night, many of her fellow famous friends paid tribute to the funny TV host and comedian on social media. Here's a selection of what they said.
Kelly Osbourne/FacebookKelly Osbourne led the celebrity tributes with a Facebook post that brought a tear to our eyes. She wrote: "I'm completely heartbroken by the loss of my beloved Joan. Not only was she my boss, she was and will always be my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew. She was family and I will never forget her. Laughter will be difficult for a while but when I'm sad, lonely or upset all I will have to do is think of Joan and a smile will cross my face. Laughter is what she gave us and laughter is what she would want us to do in remembrance of her. Melissa and Cooper, my thoughts are with you and I love you both so much. Joan, thank you for taking me in and loving me as a daughter. I will miss you deeply and will always hear your voice in my head saying 'my darling get out there and be you!'"
Kelly also shared a video of the moment when she first met Joan,
Giuliana Rancic, Joan's Fashion Police co-host
"It is almost impossible to describe how much I adore Joan and how much she has meant to me. She was not only the funniest woman I have ever met, but was incredibly loving, honest, and lived her life with no regrets.
Working with her for the last 13 years has been one of the true joys of my life. She could put a smile on your face instantly, no matter how hard your day was.
My heart goes out to Melissa and Cooper who have lost something that can never be replaced. Their bond was truly one of a kind. They had the greatest mother and grandmother anyone could have ever hoped for.
My life is so much fuller and happier because I got to share it with this beautiful person, a true genius.
I woke up today, unable to grasp what the world will be like without her, and at the same time, feel so privileged to have called her my friend."
Whoopi Goldberg
Roseanne Barr
Samuel L. Jackson
Lena Dunham
Sarah Silverman
Rob Kardashian
Kris Jenner
Caption: "Incredibly heartbroken...we will miss you so much. Amazing Mother, Amazing Grandmother, Amazing Friend. Thank you for a lifetime of laughter. My prayers go out to Melissa and Cooper."
Caption: "We will miss you so".
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Ellen DeGeneres
Audrina Patridge
Caption: "Rest in peace @joanrivers... Always making people laugh and not afraid to push the limits. You will be missed".
Dolly Parton
"Though her death is no laughing matter, Joan Rivers' life was nothing but. I know she would want us all to keep smiling. And I know we always will when we think of her.
Rest in peace, Joan. We will always love you."
Lauren Conrad
Caption: "Today Hollywood lost one of its brightest stars. She was a brilliant woman who was hilarious and unapologetically honest. She will be missed."
Kourtney Kardashian
Caption: "I can not believe this queen is gone. I am praying for Melissa and Cooper."
Fergie
Caption: "A legend who broke so many barriers 4 women in show business... @JoanRivers will b greatly missed. Much Love & Respect #RIPJoanRivers".
Jessie J
Caption: "I've just been told the sad news that Joan Rivers has passed away. Just a week ago I was in her company and was so blown away by her infectious wit and charm and care to make me feel so comfortable and welcome. My love and prayers are with Joan, her daughter Melissa and all her family and close friends. RIP."
Perez Hilton
Caption: "I may be a Z-lister to most, but to Joan and Melissa Rivers I am a big deal! And that's a BIG DEAL to me!!!! #JoanForever #JoanRivers #LegendsNeverDie"
Joan's funeral service is going to be this Sunday in New York City. Details, including what time services would be held and whether the public would be admitted, weren't immediately disclosed.
In her 2012 book I Hate Everyone ... Starting With Me, Joan wrote that she wanted her funeral to be "a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action. I don't want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents. ... And I want a wind machine so that even in my casket my hair is blowing just like Beyonce's."
ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Joan Rivers has passed away in hospital, her daughter has confirmed.
The 81-year-old comedian had been in the New York hospital since suffering cardiac arrest last week during throat surgery.
PA Photos
Daughter Melissa Rivers said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers.
"She passed peacefully at 1.17pm, surrounded by family and close friends."
Our thoughts are with Joan's friends and family at this difficult time.
SOURCE: SKY NEWS
EARLIER TODAY, WE WROTE...
Melissa Rivers, the daughter of comedienne Joan Rivers, has given the public an update on how her mum is doing. She released a statement, saying: "My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room [and is] being kept comfortable. Thank you for your continued support."
Joan Rivers, who suffered cardiac arrest last week during a procedure on her vocal cords, has improved enough to be moved out of the intensive care unit at Manhattan's Mount Sinai Hospital.
We have our fingers and toes crossed for Joan.
ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Melissa Rivers, the daughter of comedienne Joan Rivers, has confirmed the sad news that her mother is still on life support.
Daughter Melissa Rivers said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers.
"She passed peacefully at 1.17pm, surrounded by family and close friends."
Our thoughts are with Joan's friends and family at this difficult time.
SOURCE: SKY NEWS
EARLIER TODAY, WE WROTE...
Melissa Rivers, the daughter of comedienne Joan Rivers, has given the public an update on how her mum is doing. She released a statement, saying: "My mother has been moved out of intensive care and into a private room [and is] being kept comfortable. Thank you for your continued support."
Joan Rivers, who suffered cardiac arrest last week during a procedure on her vocal cords, has improved enough to be moved out of the intensive care unit at Manhattan's Mount Sinai Hospital.
We have our fingers and toes crossed for Joan.
ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
Melissa Rivers, the daughter of comedienne Joan Rivers, has confirmed the sad news that her mother is still on life support.
PA Photos
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Melissa addressed rumours circulated by the New York Post, that implied Joan had been taken out of a coma and could be left in a state where her brain's "motor skills were compromised".
"On behalf of my mother and our family, we are extremely grateful for all the love and support we've received. At this time, she does remain on life support," Melissa said in the statement.
She added: "I know my mother would be overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of kindness, and I want to thank everyone for keeping us in their prayers."
Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in New York last Thursday after she stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal chords.
SOURCE: Time
ON TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER, WE WROTE...
Joan Rivers has been brought out of her medically-induced coma, according to reports.
The E! Fashion Police host and comedienne was placed on life support after she stopped breathing during a clinical procedure. But according to the New York Daily News, doctors began lifting Rivers from her coma on Sunday at Mount Sinai hospital.
"The waking-up process has begun and will take until Tuesday," a source said. "There is real concern that the part of the brain that controls motor skills may have been compromised, leaving her as either a vegetable or in a wheelchair."
The source also added that the family were considering legal action against Yorkville Endoscopy, where Rivers had a routine throat procedure.
"Shock and upset is turning to anger, and they are looking for someone to blame," the source revealed.
Melissa Rivers, Joan's daughter, told Us Weekly in a statement on Friday: "My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."
SOURCE: NY Daily News
ON MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
E! Fashion Police host, and comedienne, Joan Rivers has been placed on life support as her family keep vigil by her bedside.
Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers has released a statement, saying: "We are keeping our fingers crossed."
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Melissa addressed rumours circulated by the New York Post, that implied Joan had been taken out of a coma and could be left in a state where her brain's "motor skills were compromised".
"On behalf of my mother and our family, we are extremely grateful for all the love and support we've received. At this time, she does remain on life support," Melissa said in the statement.
She added: "I know my mother would be overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of kindness, and I want to thank everyone for keeping us in their prayers."
Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in New York last Thursday after she stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal chords.
SOURCE: Time
ON TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER, WE WROTE...
Joan Rivers has been brought out of her medically-induced coma, according to reports.
The E! Fashion Police host and comedienne was placed on life support after she stopped breathing during a clinical procedure. But according to the New York Daily News, doctors began lifting Rivers from her coma on Sunday at Mount Sinai hospital.
"The waking-up process has begun and will take until Tuesday," a source said. "There is real concern that the part of the brain that controls motor skills may have been compromised, leaving her as either a vegetable or in a wheelchair."
The source also added that the family were considering legal action against Yorkville Endoscopy, where Rivers had a routine throat procedure.
"Shock and upset is turning to anger, and they are looking for someone to blame," the source revealed.
Melissa Rivers, Joan's daughter, told Us Weekly in a statement on Friday: "My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."
SOURCE: NY Daily News
ON MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2014, WE WROTE...
E! Fashion Police host, and comedienne, Joan Rivers has been placed on life support as her family keep vigil by her bedside.
Joan's daughter Melissa Rivers has released a statement, saying: "We are keeping our fingers crossed."
PA Photos
And on Friday she said she has been thankful for the well wishes, "My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."
PA Photos
Jo's god daughter, and fellow Fashion Police star, tweeted to say that she was "inconsolable" over the situation.
Kelly Osbourne
Giuliana Rancic
Lena Dunham
Joan Rivers
Seth Rogen
Cher
Bette Midler
ON 28 AUGUST 2014, WE WROTE...
News is coming in that Joan Rivers has been rushed to a hospital in New York City after she stopped breathing during a clinical procedure.
TMZ report that the E! Fashion Police star was undergoing a procedure on her throat (apparently on her vocal chords) in a clinic but stopped breathing halfway through.
And on Friday she said she has been thankful for the well wishes, "My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world. Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."
PA PhotosJo's god daughter, and fellow Fashion Police star, tweeted to say that she was "inconsolable" over the situation.
Kelly Osbourne
Giuliana Rancic
Lena Dunham
Joan Rivers
Seth Rogen
Cher
Bette Midler
ON 28 AUGUST 2014, WE WROTE...
News is coming in that Joan Rivers has been rushed to a hospital in New York City after she stopped breathing during a clinical procedure.
TMZ report that the E! Fashion Police star was undergoing a procedure on her throat (apparently on her vocal chords) in a clinic but stopped breathing halfway through.
PA Photos
Their source says that the 81-year-old was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital, and that her daughter Melissa is on her way to New York.
Kelly Osbourne, Joan's god-daughter, and fellow Fashion Police co-star, will no doubt be rushing to her side.
We are sending our thoughts to Joan and family.
SOURCE: TMZ
Their source says that the 81-year-old was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital, and that her daughter Melissa is on her way to New York.
Kelly Osbourne, Joan's god-daughter, and fellow Fashion Police co-star, will no doubt be rushing to her side.
We are sending our thoughts to Joan and family.
SOURCE: TMZ
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