Video vixen Tawny Kitaen‘s official autopsy and toxicology records have been released.
In documents obtained by Fox News on Tuesday, it shows she had mirtazapine, alprazolam, acetaminophen, pregabalin, and hydrocodone in her system.
The coroner’s report, performed by the Orange County Coroner Divison, reiterates that Tawny’s cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy. The manner of death was ruled natural. Other significant conditions included mild coronary atherosclerosis.
Tawny, known for her roles in a number of ‘80s music videos, died on May 7. She was 59 years old when she died at her home in Newport Beach, California. Her daughters, Wynter and Raine, first confirmed their mother’s death back in May on Kitaen’s Instagram account.
TAWNY KITAEN’S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED
“We just want to say thank you for all of you, her fans and her friends, for always showing her such support and love. You gave her life everyday,” their statement said.
Tawny Kitaen’s cause of death was previously confirmed as dilated cardiomyopathy ( (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images))
Tawny was best known as the sultry red-haired actress who appeared in rock music videos during the heyday of MTV. She became the rock world’s “video vixen” after appearing on the cover of two albums from the heavy metal band Ratt and starring in several music videos for Whitesnake, including the 1987 smash song “Here I Go Again.” The video, played repeatedly on the burgeoning music television network, featured Tawny performing cartwheels on the hood of a Jaguar.
She also starred as the fiancee to Tom Hanks’ character in the 1984 comedy “Bachelor Party” and as Jerry Seinfeld’s girlfriend in a 1991 episode of “Seinfeld.”
Other TV credits included a stint as co-host of “America’s Funniest People” and she appeared on the reality shows “The Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” in which she revealed her struggle with substance abuse.
Tawny’s toxicology report shows she had mirtazapine, alprazolam, acetaminophen, pregabalin, and hydrocodone in her system. ( (Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images))
Just a few weeks after Kitaen’s death, her younger brother Jordan Kitaen spoke to Fox News about their tight bond and opened up about one of their last discussions before her passing. He explained the actress, known to him by her birth name Julie, had been reeling from the loss of their father, who died in April.
Jordan shared with Fox News how he encouraged Tawny to get closer to her faith prior to her passing.
“To me, my faith is central to who I am. I’ve always felt that that’s what’s always gotten me through difficult times. I’ve always felt like that would be a huge help in Julie’s life to have a more robust spiritual connection,” Jordan said at the time.
1986: Actress Tawny Kitaen poses for a portrait in Santa Monica, California ((Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images))
The star had a tumultuous personal life. She married Whitesnake singer David Coverdale in 1989, but the pair divorced two years later. She later married MLB pitcher Chuck Finley in 1997, with whom she had two daughters. The marriage was rocky and it ended in 2002.
According to Variety, she had several run-ins with the law, including a charge for cocaine possession in 2006 and driving under the influence in 2009.
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Tawny’s loved ones held a small celebration of her life in late May that featured speeches from both of her daughters, as well as a musical performance of “Let It Be” by Jordan’s 15-year-old son. Featured on the back of the program for Tawny’s service was a painting she did herself. Jordan said his sister had many talents. In addition to her iconic dancing, she was a “proficient artist,” he said.
Fox News’ Melissa Roberto contributed to this report.
Source: www.foxnews.com