B.B. King Was Not Poisoned Prior to Death, Coroner Finds

Autopsy dispels family members’ suspicions

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Blues legend B.B. King was not poisoned prior to his death in May at age 89, the Clark County, Nevada, coroner’s office has determined.

Coroner John Fudenberg said Monday that an autopsy has determined King’s primary cause of death was Alzheimer’s disease, as well as coronary artery atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus type II and congestive heart failure, among other ailments.

The coroner’s office began investigating King’s death following claims by his relatives that he was the victim of foul play. However, Fudenberg asserted Monday that was not the case.

“At this point we can say with confidence that Mr. King died of natural causes,” Fudenberg said. “Our condolences go out to the family and many friends of Mr. King, and we hope this determination rings them some measure of closure.”

Following King’s May 14 death in Las Vegas, some members of King’s family had claimed the musician was poisoned, despite the fact that a private doctor who was caring for him said he died of natural causes.

Some of King’s relatives also believed that King’s longtime manager and aide LaVerne Toney was to blame for his passing.

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