Whitney Houston, the iconic singer and star of *The Bodyguard*, was found deceased in her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton on February 11, 2012. The discovery was made by her assistant, leading to widespread grief among her fans worldwide. An autopsy revealed that Houston died from accidental drowning, with contributing factors including heart disease and cocaine use. She was only 48 years old at the time of her death.
Details from the autopsy report indicate a troubling history of substance misuse that had severely impacted Houston’s health. The coroner’s examination noted multiple abrasions on her body, including a significant “old healed vertical scar” on her inner lower left forearm. Additional abrasions were found on her forehead, nose, shoulder, forearm, and left hand. The report also mentioned a “possible old puncture wound to her inner left elbow” and scars from breast implants.
Health Complications and Autopsy Findings
Houston’s body had been discovered face down in a bathtub filled with water measured at a scalding 93.5 degrees Celsius. The extreme temperature caused significant skin damage, described in the report as “skin slippage” on various parts of her body, including her back and legs. Notably, the autopsy disclosed signs of severe atherosclerosis, described by forensic pathologist Prof. Richard Shepherd as “the furring up of the artery.” He stated that this condition resulted in the narrowing of her right coronary artery by 60 percent.
Atherosclerosis typically develops from damage to artery linings, which can be exacerbated by risk factors such as smoking—a battle Houston faced throughout her life. Prof. Shepherd emphasized that the severity of the condition in someone as young as Houston suggests that other underlying issues may have contributed to her early health decline.
In a particularly alarming section of the autopsy report, the coroner noted the presence of a “bloody purge coming from her nose” along with congested eyes. Investigators found traces of a “white powdery substance” on surfaces in the bathroom, as well as a small spoon containing a crystal-like substance and rolled-up paper. Alcohol was also present; an open champagne bottle and a beer can were located in the vicinity of her body, alongside loose tablets on a bedside table.
Personal Struggles with Substance Abuse
Houston had been open about her struggles with substance abuse, revealing in a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey that her addiction intensified after filming *The Bodyguard* in 1992. She described a pattern of smoking marijuana combined with rock cocaine, illustrating the challenges she faced throughout her career.
An unusual aspect of the autopsy involved Whitney’s hair. A brown wig was discovered tightly attached to her natural hair, which remained full, black, and wavy, with no signs of balding. However, her eyebrows were noted to be sparse with irregular hair distribution. The report also indicated that Houston had a “maxillary dental prosthesis” in place of her upper teeth, following claims made by Tina Brown, the sister of Houston’s ex-husband, that the singer had lost her teeth during prolonged drug binges.
The findings from Houston’s autopsy not only highlight the personal struggles she endured but also paint a broader picture of the devastating impact of substance misuse on health. As the world continues to mourn the loss of a legendary voice, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges many face in the pursuit of fame and success.
