Kanye Wests Mom’s Autopsy Raises New Questions In Cause Of Death

Posted: January 11, 2008 in: Kanye West | By: Jason |

According to the Los Angeles Times, the long-awaited autopsy report on the death of rapper Kanye West's mother did not determine a precise cause of death but did generate new questions about the medical care she received both before and after undergoing plastic surgery. A Los Angeles County medical examiner, wrote that Donda West "died from some preexisting coronary artery disease and multiple postoperative factors following surgery."

Among the postoperative factors that Peña cited were evidence of pneumonia that possibly had been caused by aspirated vomit. Other factors included her pain-control medication and the tight bandaging of her chest. West died a day after she underwent breast reduction and liposuction surgery. Her death has generated national attention and sparked debate about the risks of cosmetic surgery.

In a prepared statement Thursday, the coroner's office said "multiple postoperative factors could have played a role in the death. The exact contribution of each factor could not be determined." However, the coroner's office said there was no evidence that the death had been caused by a mistake in surgery or anesthesia. The coroner's report said West's coronary arteries were 50% to 70% blocked, and one coronary artery was hardening with plaque — all risk factors for a heart attack.