Erica Blasberg Death Ruled a Suicide

Golfer died of asphyxia, OD'd on prescription meds
By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 25, 2010 7:08 AM CDT
Erica Blasberg Death Ruled a Suicide
In this Feb. 15, 2008, file photo, Erica Blasberg walks up to the ninth green during the second round of the LPGA SBS Open golf tournament at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku, Hawaii.   (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman, File)

Nevada police have ruled the death of LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg a suicide, but are also charging her doctor with obstruction of justice. Dr. Thomas Hess found Blasberg's dead body in her Las Vegas home on May 9 and allegedly removed items from the crime scene before police arrived, then refused to cooperate with the police investigation, Golf Fanhouse reports.

Blasberg, who had a bag on her head, died of asphyxia, and the coroner's office said she had toxic levels of prescription medications in her system, including butalbital, temazepam, alprazolam, codeine, hydrocodone, and tramadol. "It's been a rough day," Blasberg's father said in response to the news. The LPGA issued a statement that "we are saddened to hear the news that Erica Blasberg's death was the result of suicide, as she had so much to live for." (More Erica Blasberg stories.)

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