Gary Coleman Dead

Actor Gary Coleman of Different Strokes fame died this morning as a result of injuries suffered from a head trauma.  According to TMZ, Coleman suffered from an intracranial hemorrhage sustained in a fall in Utah on Thursday at around noon.  Paramedics transported Coleman from his home to the hospital where he was put on life support.  Apparently his wife Shannon made the decision to pull the plug.  He was 42. 

Coleman led a tumultuous life, having financial troubles, legal problems, and run-ins with fans and the media.  Coleman suffered from a congenital kidney disease, which stunted his growth at an early age.  He continued to have health problems into his adult life, suffering from a seizure on the set of The Insider earlier this year, his second one in 2010.

There will be a press conference at 3pm today from the hospital to discuss more details of the death.


What'choo talkin' 'bout Willis: RIP Arnold.

Actress Britanny Murphy Found Dead

Actress Brittany Murphy was found dead this morning apparently suffering from full cardiac arrest. The 32-year-old actress was found unconscious in the shower at 8 am by her mom. TMZ reports that her husband, Simon Monjack, called 911 and when paramedics arrived they were unable to revive her with CPR. Murphy was taken to Cedars Sinai where she was pronounced dead.

Sad news as the another celebrity passes in 2009. Murphy was star of such films as "8 Mile," "Clueless," and "Don't say a Word." A few years ago, she released the single "Faster Kill Pussycat," which became a dance club hit.

Murphy was young enough that this smells of narcotics overdose to me. I could be wrong but young ladies are not typically susceptible to cardiac arrest, unless there is an underlying cardiac abnormality. Given her life as an actress and singer, I hate to say it, but...well, we'll see.

An investigation is being launched. We'll keep you informed.

*Update: Rumor has it that she was fired from a recent movie, The Caller, for, "being difficult," a charge her agent denies, insisting she left the project due to “creative differences”. Apparently early in her career, she was accused of having an eating disorder which some believed was tied to a cocaine habit.

A Mournful Tragedy

Academy-award nominated actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment this afternoon, the apparent victim of a drug overdose. Although the exact cause of death is as of yet unknown, prescription sleeping pills were found strewn around his bed, recent reports disclose. Ledger apparently had some trouble sleeping recently and told the New York Times in November that he was taking Ambien. He also was reported to be suffering from pneumonia.

This a very sad and tragic story and my heart goes out to Heath Ledger's family. Although there is no way, yet, to know what happened exactly, I wouldn't be surprised if the combination of pneumonia (hacking, phlegmy congestion) and sleeping pills did him in. Ambien, in particular, can close off the airway and cause breathing difficulties. Add to that a sedative effect, and it may be a recipe for disaster. Ambien can also cause anaphylaxis--an acute and severe allergic reaction that can lead to death within minutes.

Let me say it loud and clear: Ambien is bad stuff! Don't take it. I've reported the dangers of this drug extensively on the Dr. Nick Show (Episode 3--Lifestyle Drugs). It has side effects (read them here--this stuff is no joke). According to the Mayo clinic, you don't want to take Ambien if you are suffering from respiratory conditions. Duh! YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THE LABELS! Period. Just because a drug is doctor prescribed doesn't mean diddly. It's everyone's responsibility to know exactly what they are taking and what the dangers are at all times.

Google Ambien and pick an information site. Pick one--any one. The side effects are there. Don't think it can't happen to you. Heath Ledger was only 28 years old. He was young and vibrant and healthy. It could happen to anyone. Please, read the instructions, and if you're not sure--don't take it!

Rest in Peace Good Soul.

Heath Ledger 1979-2008.