Actress Brittany Murphy died of cardiac arrest on December 20, 2009. Murphy was found unconscious in her shower by her mother and a 911 call was made. She was pronounced dead after being rushed to Los Angeles' Cedars Sinai Hospital.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/los-angeles-police-have-opened-an-investigation-into-circumstances-surrounding-the-death-of-actress-brittany-murphy----polic.html

Though Murphy was known for portraying troubled characters, frequently including drug addicts, she professed to having never used drugs, or even seen what cocaine looks like.http://defamer.gawker.com/036369/brittany-murphy-has-never-seen-cocaine Soon after her demise, blogger Perez Hilton speculated that drug use may have been involved.http://perezhilton.com/2009-12-20-rip-325

It was reported that Simon Monjack, Murphy's husband did not want her to have an autopsy, but officials are proceeding without his permission. It is currently estimated that the toxicology report will take 6 weeks for results.http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/20/brittany-murphy-simon-monjack-autopsy-death/

Murphy appeared in numerous films and TV shows in which drug use played a role. Here are some examples:

Clueless (1995): Murphy portrays Tai, the new girl in an exclusive rich girl's clique who, and unlike her new friends, clearly has a lot of experience with drug use. In one scene, she asks for "coke" and is given Coca-Cola.

Bongwater (1997): Murphy starred with Alicia Witt, Luke Wilson and Jack Black in this romantic comedy about a pot dealer.

Girl Interrupted (1999): Murphy plays a troubled girl in a mental institution who is hooked on valium and suffers from an eating disorder.

Spun (2002): Murphy stars with Patrick Fugit and Jason Schwartzman in this visceral, intense story about a group of meth addicts..