Golfer committed suicide: coroner
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/08/2010 (5754 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
LAS VEGAS — The Clark County coroner’s office ruled Tuesday that 25-year-old professional golfer Erica Blasberg’s death was a suicide.
Blasberg died May 9 at her home in Henderson, about 24 kilometres southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. She was found with a plastic bag secured over her head.
Henderson police said that while no foul play is suspected they have issued a misdemeanour arrest warrant for Dr. Thomas Hess on obstruction charges. Police said Hess, who discovered Blasberg’s body, removed items from the scene, including a suicide note.
The contents of the note haven’t been disclosed.
Hess turned himself into authorities, was booked into jail and released about 35 minutes after posting $637 in bail Tuesday afternoon, Henderson police spokesman Keith Paul said.
David Mincavage, an assistant city attorney in Henderson, said the nonviolent misdemeanour charges against Hess carry a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Mincavage said he could not comment further on the case, and Paul declined to say whether additional charges were possible.
The coroner’s office said Blasberg died of suicide due to asphyxia, coupled with the presence of toxic levels of prescription medication in her system, including prescription headache, cough, pain and anti-anxiety medications.
The drugs in Blasberg’s system included butalbital, temazepam, alprazolam, codeine, hydrocodone, and tramadol, according to the coroner, but Nevada law doesn’t permit the release of details on the amounts.
"While asphyxia was the primary cause of death, the presence of prescription drugs in Ms. Blasberg’s system was a significant factor," Coroner Michael Murphy said.
A 911 call from Hess that summoned police came from the house, and Blasberg was alone when officers arrived, police have said. Blasberg’s agent said her bags were packed for a tournament in Mobile, Ala., when she was found.
The investigation was complicated, police said, because Hess admitted altering the scene — including the removal of the note indicating Blasberg took her own life — and he stopped co-operating with detectives. Hess hid the note and prescription medications in his vehicle.
Blasberg played in one event this season, tying for 44th in the April 29-May 2 Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico.
— The Associated Press
