Houston's death awakens memories of tragedies past
Source: Agencies |
February 15, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WHITNEY Houston's death has created heartrending echoes of tragedies past and the final goodbye to mark such a shocking loss.
The 48-year-old singer, who had prescription drugs in her room, left behind disconsolate family and friends and unfulfilled dreams. Her body was flown on Monday by private jet to New Jersey, where she was born and where her funeral is being planned.
After an autopsy on Sunday, authorities said there were no indications of foul play and no obvious signs of trauma. It could be weeks, however, before the coroner's office completes toxicology tests.
The singer had struggled for years with cocaine, marijuana and pills and her behavior had become erratic, including in the period before her death.
Some described her as upbeat and eager to perform at producer Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Awards bash. Others described an unfocused woman, unkempt and smelling of alcohol.
It recalled the end of Michael Jackson's life, as he tried to turn his career around with an ambitious series of concerts. The 50-year-old struck many as youthfully energetic and upbeat, while others said he was bedeviled by insomnia that led him to a fatal dosage of prescription drugs in June 2009.
Like Jackson, Houston may also get a grand goodbye.
Houston's family raised the possibility of holding a wake tomorrow and a funeral on Friday at Newark's Prudential Center, which hosts sporting events and seats 18,000 people.
Jackson's Los Angeles memorial service included members of the public, 1.6 million of whom vied for 9,000 tickets.
The 48-year-old singer, who had prescription drugs in her room, left behind disconsolate family and friends and unfulfilled dreams. Her body was flown on Monday by private jet to New Jersey, where she was born and where her funeral is being planned.
After an autopsy on Sunday, authorities said there were no indications of foul play and no obvious signs of trauma. It could be weeks, however, before the coroner's office completes toxicology tests.
The singer had struggled for years with cocaine, marijuana and pills and her behavior had become erratic, including in the period before her death.
Some described her as upbeat and eager to perform at producer Clive Davis' pre-Grammy Awards bash. Others described an unfocused woman, unkempt and smelling of alcohol.
It recalled the end of Michael Jackson's life, as he tried to turn his career around with an ambitious series of concerts. The 50-year-old struck many as youthfully energetic and upbeat, while others said he was bedeviled by insomnia that led him to a fatal dosage of prescription drugs in June 2009.
Like Jackson, Houston may also get a grand goodbye.
Houston's family raised the possibility of holding a wake tomorrow and a funeral on Friday at Newark's Prudential Center, which hosts sporting events and seats 18,000 people.
Jackson's Los Angeles memorial service included members of the public, 1.6 million of whom vied for 9,000 tickets.
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