Further tests will be needed to determine what exactly caused the death of the American comedian Joan Rivers, according to the New York City medical examiner.
The 81-year-old died on Thursday at Manhattan’s Mount Sinai Hospital. She had been in a coma since August 28, when she went into cardiac arrest during a routine throat procedure at a doctor’s office. Her funeral will be held today in New York. The services will be private.
Meanwhile, tributes to the influential comedian have poured in.
“Joan Rivers was an extraordinary woman with an original and indefatigable spirit, an unstoppable sense of humour and an enormous zest for life. She will be hugely missed and utterly irreplaceable.” – Britain’s Prince Charles, known for his love of comedy
“She was a real character. I am so upset by her passing. She was too young and had too much to do still.” – Barbra Streisand
"I'm completely heart-broken by the loss of my beloved Joan. Not only was she my boss, she was and will always be my teacher, therapist, closest friend, inspiration and the only grandmother I ever knew." – Rivers's Fashion Police co-star Kelly Osbourne.
“Here’s a woman, a real pioneer for other women looking for careers in stand-up comedy. And talk about guts – she would come out here and sit in this chair and say some things that were unbelievable. But it was hilarious. The force of her comedy was overpowering.” – David Letterman
“I never saw someone attack a stage with so much energy. She was a controlled lightning bolt. ... I looked up to her. I learnt from her. I loved her. I liked her. And I already miss her very much.” – Louis C K
“Every woman in comedy is indebted to her. She was there at the beginning and funny to the end. ” – Amy Poehler
“My heart is torn in half. She wasn’t done.” – the comedian Sarah Silverman
“Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone.” – Ellen DeGeneres
“Watching Joan Rivers do standup at age 81 was incredible: athletic, jaw-dropping, terrifying, essential. It never stopped. Neither will she.” – Lena Dunham
