Joan Rivers was one of the most influential comedians of all time, rising to prominence in the television industry before her passing in 2014.
Famous for her raspy voice and no-filter opinions, Joan became known for her savage stand-up routines in nightclubs in the late 50s, and broke through as a guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 60s. Despite her success, Joan also suffered a series of devastating professional and personal setbacks.
Her husband and manager, Edgar Rosenberg, fell into depression after a heart attack and committed suicide in 1987, and she became estranged from her daughter, Melissa. Bookings dried up, and her career seemed to be on the rocks.
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Not to be beaten, Joan rose back to prominence and was adored by millions when she died aged 81 after medical complications.
As we mourn the eighth anniversary of her death, let’s take a look at how the star died and the scandal that still surrounds her death.
Cause of death
(Image: Getty Images)
Joan Rivers died at the age of 81 on September 4, 2014, a week after an appointment at Manhattan’s Yorkville Endoscopy clinic.
A medical examiner reported that the star died of “therapeutic complications” during a procedure to evaluate her “voice changes” and stomach reflux.
The report read: “The classification of a death as a therapeutic complication means that the death resulted from a predictable complication of medical therapy.”
(Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
The report also claims Rivers died of low blood oxygen while also being sedated with propofol.
The lack of oxygen for the prolonged time caused severe brain damage. She was then put under propofol to examine her condition, where her heart shortly stopped.
“She stopped breathing and her heart went into arrhythmia because there wasn’t sufficient oxygen to maintain the heart muscle.
“The pump, the heart itself, was unable to move fresh oxygenated blood upstream to the brain.”
Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, told ABC News, “We continue to be saddened by our tragic loss and grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support from around the world.
“We have no further comment at this time.”
A person briefed on the Rivers investigation said an autopsy was not performed on Joan Rivers at the instruction of the family and in accordance with Jewish law.
Huge will
(Image: FilmMagic)
Having spent decades in the showbiz industry, it is no surprise that Joan amassed a fortune during her eight decades.
The comedian had a fortune of $150million (£130m) at the time of her death, and named her daughter Melissa the executor of her will and the recipient of her tangible property.
Although the contents of her will were never confirmed, she was said to have left amounts to Melissa’s son, Cooper, as well as Rivers’ niece and nephew, Caroline Waxler and Andrew Waxler, all through a blind trust.
Medical malpractice
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
The family of Joan Rivers filed a medical malpractice suit against the New York City clinic where the comedian died.
The star’s daughter Melissa Rivers filed the suit in 2015 in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, alleging that the doctors performed unauthorised medical procedures, as they were caught taking a selfie with the Fashion Police star while she was under anaesthesia.
The lawsuit alleged that doctors at the clinic mishandled Rivers’ procedure by performing a laryngoscopy on her vocal cords without consent, instead of an endoscopy.
According to the AP, the suit claimed that when an anaesthesiologist expressed concern over what the procedure would do to her ability to breathe, she was told that she was being “paranoid.”
Melissa accepted a settlement in 2016, releasing this statement shortly after.
“In accepting this settlement, I am able to put the legal aspects of my mother’s death behind me and ensure that those culpable for her death have accepted responsibility for their actions quickly and without equivocation.”
Melissa Rivers’ attorneys Ben Rubinowitz and Jeff Bloom did not disclose the amount of the settlement, but said they wanted to “make certain that the focus of this horrific incident remains on improved patient care and the legacy of Joan Rivers”
A-List funeral
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Melissa wrote in her book that her mother “loved funerals,” and Joan’s own star-studded goodbye was an A-list affair that she would have loved.
According to the comedian’s daughter, Joan had strict instructions: “I want my funeral to be a big show biz affair with lights, camera, action… I want it to be Hollywood all the way.”
And she got it. Donald Trump, Hugh Jackman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Sawyer, and dozens of otherA-listers paid their respects to the raspy-voiced renaissance woman who died while at the top of her game.
(Image: GC Images)
In total, More than 40 celebrities attended Rivers’ funeral at Temple Emanu-El in New York City. Howard Stern delivered the eulogy during the memorial service.
Other stars in attendance include Comedian Kathy Griffin, who appeared on “Celebrity Apprentice” with Joan, Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Osbourne, Judge Judy and numerous fashion icons including Oscar de la Renta.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
