Airport Death Accidental, Autopsy Says

Accidentally strangled trying to escape cuffs in Phoenix holding cell

(NEWSER) - The family of a New York woman who died in a holding cell at a Phoenix airport is suing the police department and city for $8 million, CNN reports. Carol Gotbaum became agitated after missing a flight last September and cops put her alone in a cell where she accidentally strangled herself as she tried to escape her handcuffs. Gotbaum, the stepdaughter-in-law of a New York City official, had been traveling alone to Tucson to enter an alcohol rehabilitation center. More»

Police release video of Carol Gotbaum screaming, resisting arrest

(NEWSER) - Phoenix police yesterday released airport surveillance footage of a woman clearly distraught and resisting arrest shortly before her death in a security holding cell. The silent video shows Carol Gotbaum doubled over and apparently screaming as passengers stare. She struggles with police called to the scene and locks her legs when they take her into custody. More»

And he 'chugs booze like water'

(NEWSER) - Just how far Charlie Sheen veered off the rails before his hospitalization last week has been revealed by yet another porn star pal, who talks of seeing cocaine chunks the size of tennis balls at the star's last bender. "I've never seen someone so self-destructive and able to take in so much at once," says Kacey Jordan, who attended Sheen's party at his LA home. "It was almost like a suicide binge." Sheen asked her to move in to a mansion he planned to turn into a "24-hour party"—then asked if she would babysit his kids, Jordan tells ABC News . More»

Actor may face jail time after DUI bust

(NEWSER) - Days after being busted for DUI in LA, Chris Klein has checked himself into rehab in Utah. The American Pie star, 31, will spend at least 30 days at the facility, People reports. "After recent events, Chris was forced to take a clear look at a problem he has been trying to deal with himself for years," says a rep. "He understands now that he cannot beat this disease alone." More»

(AP) - Hundreds of passengers on a British Airways 747 flight to London used slides to evacuate the plane last night on the Phoenix Airport runway, the AP reports. The jumbo jet had just pushed back from the gate when smoke and an acrid odor was reported in the cabin. By the time fire crews arrived, 298 passengers and 18 crew were already on the tarmac. More»