Smith's toxic death revealed, eyes now on Daniel's death

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By Stone Martindale Mar 27, 2007, 16:22 GMT

Anna Nicole's autopsy revealed her death was the culmination of a toxic mixture of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Her use of several physicians who each prescribed different medications added to the problem. Now, the Bahamian courts are turning their focus on the unusual death of her son, Daniel, who died at her bedside. Anna Nicole Smith EPA/JASON SZENES

Anna Nicole Smith EPA/JASON SZENESDr. Joshua Perper, Broward County chief medical examiner, said at a press conference Monday that each of the drugs found in Smith's body were present in levels lower than what would normally lead to overdose. The combination of the medications led to a toxic, and ultimately lethal, effect.Perper mentioned that a total of nine prescription drugs were found in Smith's system; however, during the press conference he also listed several other drugs, as well as one nonprescription drug and a number of supplements, which were identified during the autopsy.Drugs clonapine (commonly known as Clonazepam or Klonopin), diazepam (commonly known as Valium) and lorazepam (commonly known as Atavan) were in her system.Perper said chloral hydrate, a sleeping medication, was the drug which "tipped the balance" and most directly led to Smith's demise.Many of the discovered drugs were similar in their effects, and helped harm her respiratory system, especially chloral hydrate and some of the other drugs found in Smith's system.Perper added that there was also evidence of a number of other drugs in her system, including the antihistamine Benadryl, the flu medication Tamiflu, a muscle relaxant and the drug Topamax, which is used to control seizures, migraines and weight gain.Smith was also taking the antibiotic Cipro, methadone for pain control, acetaminophen and a number of "anti-aging" supplements including human growth hormone, vitamin B12 and immunoglobulin.Chloral hydrate was commonly prescribed many years ago, and the drug gained notoriety as the key ingredient in a "Mickey Finn" a drink that had the drug dropped in it on the sly in order to cause someone to lose consciousness.In addition to the laundry list of drugs in Smith's system, the autopsy also revealed abscesses in her left buttock. These infection filled abscesses were likely the result of improperly administered repeated injections "The episode of high fever was most likely due to the fact that at the time of the perforation of the abscess, the infectious organisms reached the bloodstream and caused a high fever," Perper said.Daniel Smith, Anna Nicole's son, died suddenly by his mother's bedside. The inquest in the Bahamas has begun to shed more light on his untimely death.TMZ reports that Howard K. Stern's attorney challenged the use of a jury to hear the case. The jury can recommend criminal prosecution if they think Daniel's death was murder.Larry Birkhead and several key hospital witnesses, according to TMZ, are scheduled to testify today or tomorrow.Birkhead was aware of Daniel's drug use while he lived in Los Angeles according to TMZ. Birkhead will also testify that Stern and Anna Nicole knew that Daniel had a drug problem. The key to the inquest is to determine how Daniel got hold of the drugs that ultimately caused his death.

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MissyMar 27th, 2007 - 17:58:25

I think its about time to compare both deaths and see what really happened.

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choice387Mar 27th, 2007 - 18:06:14

what role did ans's physiatrist play in getting drugs for her? could she have adminstered the injections.

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MCMar 27th, 2007 - 18:39:12

Why is everyone so shocked by this? This is a woman who has constatly been referred to as being on 'a downward spiral,' and it is clear from footage of her (For example, in interviews, or at certain award shows) that she was on drugs. I don't understand why people are now acting shocked that she died from a drug overdose. Her death was sad, but failing any severe intervention, it was also bound to happen.

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lou,Mar 27th, 2007 - 18:45:38

There needs to be a probe into her boyfriend. He most likely gave her and her son the drugs. He is only a leech. Keep digging until you hit pay dirt. She was callous in the use of drugs without regard for the welfare of her child, but then again a real mother would not go off w/her boyfriend and leave her child in another country!
He is also not the baby's father. Let her real father raise her! so what if he is keeper of the money.

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Thorize all you wantMar 27th, 2007 - 19:13:20

Stern 'managed' everything and is a low life. Only he was set to gain from these deaths and he is known to be the administor of the injections.
Any questions?

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MicheleMar 27th, 2007 - 19:30:31

Lightening doesn't strike twice. It's very disappointing that inspite of the nature of Anna's death, similar to Daniel's, that the Broward County ME and Indian reservation casino Mickey Mouse police, swept her death under the carpet. No muss, no expense for the Seminoles, or for Broward to conduct a real investigation. It's a travesty of justice, imo, and Danielynn is in the custody of a possible serial killer. He must be laughing his ass off.

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johnMar 27th, 2007 - 19:46:54

Stern is a genius. He orchaestrated the Bahamas. He succeeded isolating the mother and the biological father. Death to Daniel and Nicole is of course accidental as Stern would like us to believe. He is waging and winning his battles in court, his favorite turf.

What is the moral lesson from this story. A pretty Nicole outsmart the oil tycoon billionaire but a lawyer outsmarth them all.

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KateMar 27th, 2007 - 22:20:06

How did she die i mean did she die from something. Or did someone kill her. Tell me i need to know

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RRMar 27th, 2007 - 22:24:08

I am not shocked! It is a sad story as she grieved from the time she left her mother in TX to the time she passed. If you look at the details she lived sedated. Her reality show,award shows,etc. This is how she dealt with PAIN.
Stern whos is already in her life steps in starts to plan and eliminate, divide and conquer! He is a lawyer and played his role like a STAR!

Let's stay tuned for part 2 of the story with Daddy, Dannielyn, Mother and how the death of the son relates to her death!

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DanielleMar 27th, 2007 - 22:40:18

Forget the Medical Examiner's 'Accidental Death'. How do you justify two people from the same family overdose on drugs? Let's be realistic - Howard K. Stern and his entourage (i.e., the psychiatrist, the doctor and his lawyer) are ALL in it together.

Can't you see? This was very well planned to set up the perfect murder. A low life such as Stern who not only used Anna but took hand-outs as well, directed this whole case scenario.

Here's the list: They moved to the Bahamas; exchanged commitment vows; self-proclaimed to be the father of Danielynn; used her money; made damn sure that Daniel and Anna's family were removed from her life; tried to smear Vergie Arthur through the media; last but not least: remained in the background as though he was the 'innocent party' - GIVE ME A BREAK, STERN.

And, as for Stern's sister Bonnie who had the audacity to verbally attack Vergie Arthur in publice - you and your brother are LOSERS, period. It doesn't surprise me one bit that both your DNA's are a match. You people are Evil.

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