NewsNational News

Actions

Carrie Fisher: Coroner determines actress died from sleep apnea, 'other factors'

<p>Six months after actress Carrie Fisher died, the Los Angeles County coroner's office announced that her manner of death is <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-carrie-fisher-death-20170616-story.html" target="_blank">undetermined</a>.</p><p>The coroner's report listed the cause of death as sleep apnea and "other factors," including heart disease. Fisher also showed signs of previous drug use, but it was unclear if that contributed to her death.</p><p><b>SEE MORE: <a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/a-tribute-to-carrie-fisher-an-actress-and-advocate/">A Tribute To Carrie Fisher: A Force Of Talent</a></b></p><p>Fisher often spoke about her battle with addiction and mental illness. In a statement to People, <a href="http://people.com/movies/carrie-fisher-cause-of-death/" target="_blank">Fisher's daughter said</a> she would have wanted her death to end the social stigmas surrounding her struggles.</p><p>Fisher is probably most remembered for her portrayal of Leia Organa in the "Star Wars" franchise. Her <a href="http://io9.gizmodo.com/carrie-fisher-had-already-completed-her-work-on-star-wa-1790529160" target="_blank">last appearance</a> in the series will be in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."</p><hr><b>Trending stories at <a href="http://www.newsy.com">Newsy.com</a></b><ul class="inline-related-links"><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/yoko-ono-recognized-as-imagine-co-writer-with-john-lennon/">Yoko Ono Is Finally Recognized As An 'Imagine' Co-writer</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/pitch-perfect-star-rebel-wilson-wins-defamation-case/">Rebel Wilson Wins Court Battle Over 'False' Magazine Articles</a></li><li><a href="http://www.newsy.com/stories/fox-news-drops-iconic-tag-line-fair-balanced/">Fox News Drops Iconic Slogan 'Fair & Balanced'</a></li></ul>
Posted
and last updated

(CNN) -- The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office has released a summary of its findings into the death of "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher.

The actress and writer died in December at the age of 60. Her mother, actress Debbie Reynolds, died one day later.

In a news release, the coroner listed the results of a body examination performed three days after Fisher's death.

The agency said Fisher's manner of death is undetermined. Medical examiners concluded that "sleep apnea and other undetermined factors" contributed to her death.

There were signs of "multiple drug intake" but the coroner said its significance on Fisher's death was not determined.

She also suffered from "drug use" and atherosclerotic heart disease, a condition in which fats, cholesterol and other substances build up on the artery walls, the statement said.

Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, said after the medical examiner's report was released that her mother "battled drug addiction and mental illness her entire life" stating that "she ultimately died of it."

"She was purposefully open in all of her work about the social stigmas surrounding these diseases," Lourd said in a statement.

"I know my Mom, she'd want her death to encourage people to be open about their struggles. Seek help, fight for government funding for mental health programs. Shame and those social stigmas are the enemies of progress to solutions and ultimately a cure. Love you Momby," she added.

Fisher's death came four days after she suffered a cardiac event on a flight from London to Los Angeles.