Pneumonia, Drugs Killed Brittany Murphy
Actress Brittany Murphy died from pneumonia, but anemia and prescription drugs played a role in her death, the Los Angeles coroner's office has ruled. The coroner did not specify which drugs were in the 32-year-old's system, but said she was the victim of "multiple drug intoxication."
Rip Torn Heading to Rehab After Arrest
Police said that actor Rip Torn was so drunk that he thought he was at home, taking off his hat and boots and leaving them by the door. The problem was the 78-year-old actor was armed and inside a local bank. His attorney said Torn is getting treatment at a New York rehab center.
Leif Garrett Faces Heroin Charge
Former teen idol Leif Garrett was arrested at a Los Angeles Metrolink station and charged with possession of heroin. Garrett, 48, has a long history of substance abuse problems dating back to the 1990s. He was ordered into a treatment program in 2004.
Drugs, Alcohol Cited in Death of Jay Reatard
Alcohol and cocaine contributed to the death of punk rocker Jay Reatard, a medical examiner has determined. The 29-year-old musician, whose real name is Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., was found dead at his Memphis home Jan. 13.
Canadian Police See New Teen Drug Trend
With street cocaine prices skyrocketing, teens are turning to the animal painkiller katemine at less than one-third of the price. "Kids are taking this but it's certainly not just the kids," said Constable Perry Mason, a school resource officer. "It's an emerging problem in the community and schools are just a reflection of the community."
Woman Arrested on 30-Year-Old Drug Charge
When a 74-year-old Canadian woman arrived at the Lewiston-Queenston border crossing in Lewiston, N.Y. to apply for a waiver to visit the United States, she probably was not expecting to be arrested on a 30-year-old outstanding drug charge. She was taken into custody on a 1980 New York City warrant for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Previous Headlines
Keith Richards Gives Up AlcoholAccording to media reports in the UK, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has given up alcohol on strict orders from his doctor. The Telegraph reported that Richards, 66, has not had a drink in four months. Richards once said that he would never stop because he had outlived several doctors who advised him to give up alcohol.
Ron Wood Goes to Rehab for 8th Time
Ron Wood, the other guitarist for the Rolling Stones, has entered a rehab program for the eighth time. The 62-year-old Wood checked himself in at the request of his daughter and Mick Jagger, reports said. The move comes weeks after Wood told reporters that he had given up partying, saying, "I don't drink any more."
Michael Douglas' Son Pleads Guilty in Meth Case
Cameron Douglas, the 31-year-old son of actor Michael Douglas, entered a guilty plea in New York to trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine. Cameron will face a minimum 10-year prison term when he is sentenced April 27.
Charlie Sheen's Wife in Rehab?
Brooke Mueller, wife of actor Charlie Sheen, has reportedly entered a substance abuse treatment facility in North Carolina, but her lawyer insists that it is just for rest after her battle with pneumonia. Her attorney, Yale Galanter, said although Mueller was in a rehab facility she wasn't actually in rehab.
Jayson Williams Ordered to Wear Alcohol Monitor
Former NBA player Jayson Williams has been ordered to wear an ankle alcohol-monitoring device while he awaits sentencing for accidentally shooting his limousine driver. Until he is taken into custody, Williams must wear the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, the judge said.
'Heroes' Star Arrested for Drink-Driving
Actor Adrina Pasdar, star of the television show "Heroes" and husband of Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines, has been arrested for drunk driving. California patrolmen smelled alcohol on the 44-year-old actor when they stopped his truck for speeding on a Los Angeles freeway.
Woman Has 3 Crashes, 3 DUIs in One Week
It was a rough week for a 55-year-old Concord woman, not to mention other motorists on the streets and highway of New Hampshire. Patricia Mondro was involved in a traffic crash in Londonderry on Saturday, crashed into a Interstate guardrail on Thursday and rear-ended a pickup truck on Interstate 93 on Friday. She was intoxicated during all three mishaps, police said.
