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Coroner: Toxic Mix of Drugs Killed Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman

Feb 28, 2014  •  Post A Comment

New York City officials released details today on the death of Academy Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, saying he died from a toxic mix of heroin and other drugs, the Associated Press reports.

"Hoffman died from a mix of heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and benzodiazepines, which are psychoactive drugs, said a spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner. The death was ruled an accident," the story reports, adding: "Law enforcement officials have said Hoffman was found Feb. 2 with a needle in his arm, and tests found heroin in samples from at least 50 packets in his Manhattan apartment."

The actor’s death had been investigated as a suspected overdose. An autopsy earlier this month was reportedly inconclusive, prompting medical examiners to call for further tests.

"Authorities also found unused syringes, a charred spoon and various prescription medications, including a drug used to treat heroin addiction, a blood-pressure medication and a muscle relaxant," the story reports.

Hoffman won an Oscar for the 2005 movie "Capote." He died at 46.

The report notes: Investigators have been probing how Hoffman may have obtained the heroin. Tests of the heroin in his apartment have found that it was not cut with a dangerous additive such as fentanyl, a synthetic form of morphine used to intensify the high that has been linked to deaths in other states."

The story adds: "A musician, veteran jazz player Robert Vineberg, has been charged with keeping a heroin stash in a lower Manhattan apartment amid the investigation into Hoffman’s death. Vineberg, who has said he was a friend of the Tony Award-nominated Hoffman, hasn’t been charged in Hoffman’s death and has said he didn’t sell him the heroin found in his apartment."

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for philip seymour hoffman.jpgPhilip Seymour Hoffman

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