Autopsyfiles.org - Death Certificates

Below are several popular celebrity death certificates. These death certificates depict the cause of death for many past and present stars. If there is a death certificate that you are looking for, please scroll below or look in the autopsy report section. Often there is a death certificate included in the autopsy report file. Also, if there is a specific death certificate you are looking for that is not listed below, please email me and I will find it! Enjoy!

Allen, Fulton: (July 10, 1907 - February 13, 1941) Fulton Allen, also know as Blind Boy Fuller, was an American blues guitarist and vocalist who was blind due to vision loss to the long-term effects of untreated conjunctivitis though to be from gonorrhea. Allen ost his vision in 1927. Allen was one of the most popular of the recorded Piedmont blues artists with rural Black Americans, a group that also included Blind Blake, Josh White, and Buddy Moss. On February 13, 194, Allen died in as the result of septicemia due to a infection of in his bladder, abdomen, and pelvis result in subsequent kidney failure. The previous summer, Allen underwent a procedure known as suprapublic cystostomy (placement of a catheter in the bladder through the lower pelvis)
Arquette, Alexis: (July 28, 1969 - September 11, 2016) Arquette, born Robert Arquette, was an American actress who at an early age primary played female impersonators. In 2004, she declared that she was going to undergo gender transitioning and reassignment which she realized in 2006. Arquette was known for her role in Last Exit to Brooklyn, Jumpin' at the Boneyard, Killer Drag Queens on Dope, Pulp Fiction, Threesome, Bride of Chucky, The Wedding Singer, and Blended. She had roles in the sitcom, Friends; and was a celebrity house guest on VH1's 6th season of The Surreal Life. In 1987, Arquette contracted HIV; and as a result of this suffered many health related complications of the disease. In September 2016, Arquette became seriously ill and passed away in the hospital from cardiac arrest from HIV-related myocarditis.
Bavier, Frances: (December 14, 1902 - December 6, 1989) France Bavier, an outstanding actress, was also known as "Aunt Bee" winning the Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Performance in 1967 for her performances on The Andy Griffith Show. She also starred in several movies, including The Day the Earth Stood Still, Girls About Town, and Benji. She also starred as Ms. Amy Morgan on NBC's It's a Great Life. Bavier died at her home of a heart attack shortly before her 87th birthday.
Bronson, Charles: (November 3, 1921 - August 30, 2003) Charles Bronson, born Charles Dennis Buchinsky, was a talented actor who starred in blockbuster movies such as Once Upon a Time in the West, The Magnificent Seven, The Dirty Dozen, The Great Escape, Rider on the Rain, The Mechanic, and the popular Death Wish series. He was an actor for over 60 years before retiring. On August 30, 2003, after battling Alzheimer's disease and metastatic lung cancer, Bronson died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of pneumonia. He is buried in Brownsville Cemetery in West Windsor, Vermont.
Capone, Alphonse "Al": (January 17, 1899 - January 25, 1947) Al Capone was an American gangster who was believed to have ordered the most notorious gangland killing of the century, the 1929 Saint Valentine's Day Massacre in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Chicago's North Side. Capone died at 48 years of age of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke.
Cobain, Kurt: (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) Kurt Cobain was the lead singer and guitarist of the grunge band, Nirvana. Cobain was found dead at his home in Seattle with what was officially ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted "contact penetrating shotgun wound to the head." The has been a lot of fascination and controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death in his fan base. Cobain was cremated and his ashes into McLane Creek in Olympia, Washington.
Courson, Pamela: (December 22, 1946 - April 25, 1974) Pamela Courson was the long time companion of famed singer, Jim Morrison. On April 25, 1974, Courson was found dead on the living room couch in her Los Angeles apartment. The cause of death was listed as acute heroin-morphine intoxication secondary to injection of overdose.
Denver, John: (December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997) John Denver, born Henry John Deutschendorf, was a talented singer and songwriter popular for his country and western music in addition to his roles on television and movies. He stared in the Oh, God! movies alongside George Burns and was an occasion guest star on The Muppet Show. Denver earned 12 gold and 4 platinum albums for his music including great hits such as Take Me Home, Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, Annie's Song, Calypso, and Sunshine on My Shoulder. On October 12, 1997, Denver was killed when his experimental airplane crashed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast Pacific Grove near Monterey County, California. The aircraft registration number was N555JD and the NTSB accident ID is LAX98FA008. He autopsy reports, state that he died from blunt force trauma. It also states there was no trace of alcohol or any other drug in his system. Ironically, another of Denver's number one songs was Leaving on a Jet Plane.
Farley, Chris: (February 15, 1964 - December 18, 1997) Chris Farley was a well-known actor and comedian, who starred in the NBC television series, Saturday Night Live, and movies such as Billy Madison, Coneheads, Airheads, Tommy Boy, Wayne's World, and Black Sheep. On December 18, 1997, Farley was found deceased by his brother in his residence in the John Hancock Center in Chicago. His official cause of death was listed as an accident resulting from "opiate and cocaine intoxication" with coronary atherosclerosis as a contributing factor to his death
Harrison, George: (February 25, 1943 - November 29, 2001) George Harrison was a English singer and songwriter, who was the lead guitarist for The Beatles. In 1997, Harrison was diagnosed with throat cancer that he attributed to years of heavy smoking. The cancer was successfully treated with radiation therapy; however; in 2001, Harrison, underwent an operation to remove a cancerous growth on his lung. Over the course of that year, it was found that the cancer had spread to his brain. He continued to undergo treatment at Staten Island University Hospital until the time of his death. The official cause of death is listed as "metastatic non-small cell carcinoma."
Garland, Judy: (June 10 , 1922 - June 22, 1969) Born France Ethel Gumm, Judy Garland was a actress and singer who attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles. She is well-noted for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She was nominated for several awards for her roles in A Star Is Born and Judgment at Nuremberg, while also starring in hit movies such as Presenting Lily Mars, Strike Up the Band, Andy Hardy Meets Debutantes, and Little Nellie Kelly. On June 22, 1969, Garland was found dead by her husband in the bathroom of their rent house in Chelsea, London. The official cause of death was listed as an accident due to "an incautious self-overdosage" of barbiturates. Her toxicology results showed that her blood contained the equivalent of ten 97 mg Seconal capsules. In addition, Garland had cirrhosis of the liver. In 1997, Garland was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Garner, James: (April 7, 1928 - July 19, 2014) James Garner was an outstanding actor whose career spanned nearly 60 years. He was notable for his roles in television series such as Maverick, Promise, and The Rockford Files; while also starring in lead film roles in movies such as The Great Escape, The Americanization of Emily, Grand Prix, Murphy's Romance, Space Cowboys,and The Notebook. On July 19, 2014, Garner suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Los Angeles. His death certificate lists the cause of death as myocardial infarction secondary to coronary artery disease.
Gay, Marvin Pentz (April 2, 1934 - April 1, 1984) Marvin Gay, otherwise known by his stage name, Marvin Gaye, was an American singer and songwriter who made a huge contribution to soul music in general and the Motown sound in particular. Early in his career he was part of the group The Moonglows, and later in his solo career composed and performed great songs such as Ain't That Peculiar, Heard It Through the Grapevine, Let's Get It On, How Sweet It Is, Sexual Healing, and What's Going On. With his inspiration and talent, he was dubbed "The Prince of Motown" and "The Prince of Soul." On April 1, 1984, Gaye was shot and killed by his father as he tried to intervene in an argument between his parents. His father was charged with voluntary manslaughter after it was known that Marvin beat his father the previous day. Ironically, Marvin was killed with the gun he gave his father four months previously. In 1987, Marvin Gaye Jr. was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gaye was cremated and his ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Holden, William: (April 17, 1918 - November 12, 1981) William Holden was an outstanding American actor who starred in great movies such as The Towering Inferno, The Earthling, Sunset Boulevard and Stalag 17. On November 12, 1981, Holden was intoxicated in his apartment and fell and hit his head on a nightstand. He sustained a deep laceration of his scalp and bled to death. The official of death is listed as "exsanguination due to a laceration of the scalp. "
Jackson, Bashar: (July 20, 1999 - February 19, 2020) Jackson otherwise known as Pop Smoke, was an American rapper who started rapping in 2018. He is known for his hit such as Welcome to the Party and Dior. He released his debut mixtape Meet the Woo in July 2019. His second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, was released on February 7, 2020, and debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, becoming the rapper's first top-10 project in the United States. His posthumous debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and all 19 tracks from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 100. On February 19, 2020, Pop Smoke was murdered in a home invasion as he was staying at an AirBnb rental. Despite medical intervention, Pop Smoke, died from his injuries. The autopsy report listed the cause of his death as "gunshot wound of torso," while the manner of death was homicide. The individuals who murdered Pop Smoke were apprehended and charged with his murder. The crime was initially though to be gang-related; however, one of the individuals arrested had previously stated in a cell block interview that it was a robbery gone wrong.
Johnson, Casey: (September 24, 1979 - January 4, 2010) Casey Johnson was the great-great granddaughter of Robert Johnson, co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson drug empire. Casey was also model and starred in a few minor movie and documentary roles. On January 4, 2010, Casey was found dead in her friend's guesthouse. The official cause of death was "diabetic ketoacidosis," which is a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) as a fuel source because the body has no insulin or not enough insulin, and fat is used instead. Byproducts of fat breakdown, called ketones, build up in the body. As the fats are broken down, acids called ketones build up in the blood and urine. In high levels, ketones are poisonous. This results in a condition known as ketoacidosis.
Jones, Brian: (February 28, 1942 - July 3, 1969) Brian Jones was an English musician and founding member of the rock group, The Rolling Stones. Jones left The Rolling Stones in 1969, and on July 3, 1969, Jones was found lifeless at the bottom of a swimming pool at Cotchfarm Farm in Hartfield, East Sussex. according to the official version of events, there were three guests at his home. They were Janet Lawson, a 26-year-old nurse who knew the musician through her boyfriend, Rolling Stones tour manager Tom Keylock; Frank Thorogood, 43, Jones's builder-cum-minder; and Anna Wohlin, Jones's girlfriend. The East Sussex Coroner listed the official cause of Jone's death as :drowning due to immersion in fresh water; and secondary causes attributed to severe liver dysfunction due to the ingestion of alcohol and drugs; and swimming whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Cause of death listed as "Misadventure" due to the above stated reasons." There are some conspiracy theories that Jones was actually murderer, by Frank Thorogood, the builder; however, this has never been proved.
Kennedy Jr, John Fitzgerald: (November 25, 1960 - July 16, 1999) John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. was the eldest son of former 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. John was killed when his aircraft crashed in the Atlantic Ocean as it was headed towards Martha's Vineyard Airport on July 16, 1999. In addition to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr, other passengers in the plane included his wife, Carolyn Bessette, and his sister-in-law Lauren Bessette.
Ledger, Heath: (April 4, 1979 - January 22, 2008) Heath Ledger was an Australian actor who starred in films such as "The Patriot," "Monster's Ball," "A Knight's Tale," "Brokeback Mountain," and "The Dark Knight." On February 6, 2008, Ledger was found unconscious in his bed by his housekeeper and his masseuse in his fourth-floor loft apartment at 421 Broome Street in Manhattan in New York City. After calling 9-1-1, the masseuse performed CPR until paramedics arrived. CPR was continued; however, it was unsuccessful. Ledge was pronounced dead at 3:36PM. The autopsy report listed his death as an accident resulting from "acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine."
Lennon, John: (October 9, 1940 - December 8, 1980) John Lennon was an iconic singer and songwriter and member of the The Beatles. On December 8, 1980, as he and his wife, Yoko Ono, were walking back to their apartment, The Dakota, located in Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, John was shot in the back four times by Mark David Chapman. John was taken to Roosevelt Hospital and was pronounced dead at 11:07PM. The causes of his death was listed as "multiple gunshot wounds of the left shoulder and chest; left lung and left subclavian artery resulting in external and internal hemorrhage and shock."
Meitner, Lise: (November 7, 1878 - October 27, 1968) Lise Meitner was an Austrian-Swedish physicist who worked on radioactivity and nuclear physics and best known for her work with scientists, Otto Hahn and Otto Robert Frisch, as they discovered nuclear fission of uranium when it absorbed an extra neutron. Meitner went on to publish her findings in 1939. On October 27, 1968, Meitner passed away in here sleep. Here death certificate lists the cause of her death as coronary insufficiency, heart failure, and repeated coronary thrombosis.
Mercury, Freddie: (September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991) Freddie Mercury was a talented British singer and songwriter who was the lead vocalist for the rock band, Queen. As a songwriter, Mercury composed some outstanding hit songs including "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Killer Queen", "Somebody to Love", "Don't Stop Me Now", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and "We Are the Champions". On November 23, 1991, Mercury released a statement saying that he was tested as HIV positive and had AIDS and stated that he quite this quiet to date to protect the privacy of those around him. The next day, Freddie Mercury died as a result of "bronchopneumonia as a complication to AIDS."
Monroe, Marilyn: (June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962) Marilyn Monroe was a talented American actress who became a sex symbol of the big screen. She starred in hit movies such as Bus Stop, getting a Golden Globe nomination; and winning a Golden Globe Award for Some Like It Hot. Marilyn was married to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio before divorcing him. After her death, Joe had a half-a-dozen red roses delivered to her grave three times a week for 20 years. On August 5, 1962, Marilyn was found early in the morning dead in her bed. Her psychiatrist, Dr. Ralph Greenson called 911 to report Monroe was found dead at her home. Her toxicology report stated that eight milligram per cent of Chloral hydrate and 4.5 milligram percent of Nembutal were found in her system. Dr. Thomas Noguchi of the Los Angeles County Coroners office recorded cause of death as "acute barbiturate poisoning," resulting from a "probable suicide." There are several conspiracy theories that Marilyn's death was the result of the mafia or CIA; or it was rumored that she had affairs with John and Robert Kennedy. It was supposedly reported that last person who talked to Marilyn was the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.
Morrison, Jim: (December 8, 1943 - July 3, 1971) Jim Morrison was the lead singer for the rock group, The Doors. Morrison is ranked as one of the Rolling Stone's magazine "100 Greatest Singers of All Time." The Doors achieved national recognition after signing with Elektra Records in 1967. The single "Light My Fire" eventually reached number one on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. Morrison was together with his long-time companion, Pam Courson at the time of his death. On July 3, 1971, Courson found Morrison dead in the bathtub of their apartment located at 17 rue Beautreillis in Paris, France. At the time of his death, there was no official autopsy performed. The translation of the official French death certificate states that his death was due to "heart problems were aggravated by the abuse of alcohol, followed by an abrupt change of temperature caused cardiac arrest." There was some controversy surrounding Morrison's death in which there have been several theories how Morrison died. When interviewed by police, Pamela Courson stated that she and Jim they went to a late-night showing at the cinema of the Robert Mitchum movie Pursued, later returning to their the apartment. After watching some of Morrison's home movies, they drifted off to sleep. An hour later Courson awoke to Morrison choking and gurgling. Courson slapped Morrison awake, after which he promptly vomited blood in the bathroom. Worried, she offered to call a doctor, but Morrison declined, saying he was feeling better and wanted to take a bath. Courson went back to sleep and Morrison finished his bath. She woke the next morning at approximately 8:00 a.m. to discover Morrison unconscious in the bathtub. A small amount of blood trickled from his nose as Courson tried to wake him. She called her friend at 8:30, and later the fire department. As the firemen pulled Morrison from the bath and laid him in the bedroom they treated unsuccessfully to revive him using CPR. Jim Morrison died at the age of 27. He is one of the great musicians included in the Forever 27 Club, which is the name for a group of influential rock and blues musicians who all died at the age of 27. Morrison is buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Also included in this file is the English version of the death certificate, the American Embassy Statement of Death of an American Citizen, and the official police report associated with the interview of Pam Courson. On April 25, 1974, Courson died of a heroin overdose.
Murphy-Monjack, Brittany: (November 10, 1977 - December 20, 2009) Brittany Murphy was a famed actress who starred in movies such as Clueless; Just Married; Girl, Interrupted; Spun; 8 Mile; Uptown Girls; Sin City; Happy Feet; and Riding in Cars with Boys. Brittany Murphy and her husband Simon Monjack died 5 months apart of community-acquired pneumonia. You may also review the autopsy, police, and toxicology report here. Autopsy Report File Size is (13.86 MB)
O'Rourke, Heather: (December 27, 1975 - February 1, 1988) Heather O'Rourke was a talented, young actress who starred in the thriller movie series, Poltergeist. Heather had become ill in early 1987 and was misdiagnosed with Crohn's Disease. On January 31, 1988, O'Rourke suddenly became ill again, vomiting and unable to keep anything down. The next morning she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest while en route to the hospital. After resuscitation, Heather was airlifted by helicopter to Children's Hospital and Health Center in San Diego. She died during surgery to repair an acute bowel obstruction that was caused by congenital stenosis of the intestine. Her cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest caused by septic shock brought on by the intestinal stenosis.
Oswald, Lee Harvey: (October 18, 1939 - November 24, 1963) Lee Harvey Oswald was a young gentleman who, on November 22, 1963, assassinated John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America in Dallas, Texas as the president rode in his motorcade. Ironically, on November 24, 1963, Oswald, was shot in the abdomen by Jack Ruby as he was being escorted out of Dallas Police Headquarters. Oswald was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital were he died at 1:07PM local time.
Phoenix, River: (August 30, 1970 - October 31, 1993) River Phoenix was an outstanding actor who starred in movies such as Stand By Me, Sneakers, My Own Private Idaho, as well as in Running on Empty, for which his performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination. On October 31, 1993, Phoenix had collapsed outside of the Hollywood nightclub, the Viper Room, where he was to perform. He subsequently went into convulsions, and then cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where further attempts to resuscitate Phoenix were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at 1:51 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. The official cause of death is "acute multiple drug intoxication" resulting from cocaine and heroin ingestion. His toxicology report also states he had diazepam, ephedrine and marijuana in his blood.
Price, Vincent: (May 27, 1911 - October 25, 1993) Vincent Price was a talented American actor who starred in many great films including House of Wax, House on Haunted Hill, The Fly, and Tales of Terror. In addition, Price played Professor Ratigan in Walt Disney Pictures' The Great Mouse Detective, and performed a sinister "rap" on the title track of Michael Jackson's Thriller album . He also hosted the Mystery! series on PBS. On October 25, 1993, after battling emphysema and Parkinson's disease, Price died of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was cremated and his ashes scattered off Point Dume in Malibu, California
Roth, Ernie: (August 30, 1926 - October 12, 1983) Roth was a former professional wrestling manager also known as The Grand Wizard and Abdullah Farouk, managed such great wrestlers as Mr. Fuji and Prof. Toru Tanaka; Superstar Billy Graham, Pat Patterson, Beautiful Bobby Harmon, Killer Kowalski, "Crazy Luke" Graham, Sgt. Slaughter, "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd, Ox Baker, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, and The Masked Superstar. On October 12, 1983, Roth died of a heart attack at his home at the age of 57. He was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995.
Stompanato, Johnny: (October 25, 1910 - April 4, 1958) Johnny Stompanato was the bodyguard and enforce for gangster, Mickey Cohen. Stompanato was in a relationship with actress Lana Turner, when in 1958, he was stabbed and killed by Turner's teenage daughter from her second marriage, Cheryl Crane. Crane claimed that Stompanato was abusing and attacking her mother at the time of the stabbing and as such, the incident was ruled "justifiable homicide." Johnny Stompanato's official cause of death is listed as "stab wound of the abdomen penetrating liver, portal vein, and aorta with massive hemorrhage."
Tchaikowsky, André: (November 1, 1935 - June 26, 1982) Tchaikowsky was a Polish composer and pianist who talent was learned early in his childhood when his mother started to teach him the piano when he was four years old. As a skilled and talented pianist, Tchaikowsky recorded variation of compositions by artists such as Bach, Chopin, Fauré, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert. In addition to his love for the piano, Tchaikowsky's passion was composition where he wrote two Piano Concertos, a String Quartet, a setting of Shakespeare's Seven Sonnets for voice with piano, a Piano Trio and several other compositions for piano solo. He also completed an opera, The Merchant of Venice, based on Shakespeare's play. On June 26, 1082, Tchaikowsky passed away from colon cancer in Churchill Hospital in Oxford, England. He donated his body to The Royal Shakespeare Company with the hopes that his skull would one day used as the skull of Yorick in the production of Hamlet. In 2008, Tchaikowsky's wish was honored as it was officially used in several performances of Hamlet held at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Tsarnaev, Tamerlan: (October 21, 1986 - April 19, 2013) Tsarnaev was one of the Chechen brothers suspected perpetrating the April 15th, 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. Tsarnaev was born in the Kalmyk Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic now known as Kalmykia, a North Caucasus unit of the Russia Federation. In the early hours of April 19, 2013, in Watertown, a suburb of Boston, Tamerlan was apprehended by police after being shot multiple times. The exact sequence of events remains clouded in confusion, as do key details. According to police, Tamerlan's younger brother Dzhokhar ran him over with an SUV and dragged him with the vehicle for 20 feet. He was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where, despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead from several critical injuries, massive blood loss, and cardiac and respiratory arrest. Also, read the criminal complaint filed against his brother, Dzhokhar.
Westover, Charles: (December 30, 1934 - February 8, 1990) Charles Westover, also known as Del Shannon, was an American rock and roll singer and songwriter, who was known for top hits in the 1960's such as Runaway, Little Town Flirt, Do You Want to Dance, and Handy Man. On February 8, 1990, Shannon suffering from long bouts of depression, took a .22 caliber rifle and committed suicide. The official cause of death is listed as a "gunshot wound to the head." On March 15, 1999, Shannon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Williams, Hank: (September 17, 1923 - January 1, 1953) Hank Williams was an outstanding, young singer and songwriter who was regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. He had top hits that included "I Saw the Light," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey Good Lookin'," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." On December 31, 1952, Williams was scheduled to perform in Charleston, West Virginia; however, due to inclement weather Williams could not make it to the scheduled performance and had a college student, Charles Carr, drive him from Montgomery, Alabama to Canton, Ohio for his next concert on New Year's Day. Williams and Carr arrived at a hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee to stop and eat and rest. They checked in to the hotel at 7:08 p.m and ordered dinner. Carr also requested a doctor for Williams, as he was feeling the combination of the chloral hydrate and alcohol he had drunk on the way from Montgomery to Knoxville. Dr. P.H. Cardwell injected Williams with two shots of vitamin B12 in addition to a quarter-grain of morphine. Carr and Williams checked out of the hotel at around 10:45 pm. While traveling through West Virginia, Carr stopped for gas in Oak Hill, West Virginia and found Williams unresponsive. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack due to "acute right ventricular dilation" of the heart.
Zappa, Frank: (December 21, 1940 - December 4, 1993) Zappa was an American composer, singer, songwriter and activist. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. On December 4, 1993, at the age of 52, Zappa died from complications from prostate cancer.