American golfer Blasberg died of suicide, rules Nevada coroner’s office
The Nevada coroner’s office finally announced on Tuesday that American golfer Erica Blasberg wasn’t murdered rather the cause of her death was suicide.
The 25-year-old was earlier found dead at her Henderson, Nevada home on 9th May with a plastic bag wrapped around her head. Initially, this was thought to be an act of murder but with the investigations almost complete, the Clark County, Nevada Coroner’s office has ruled that Blasberg's death was caused by suicide. Asphyxia was cited as the primary reason for this with the presence of prescription drugs in Blasberg's system also cited as a "significant factor in her death." Asphyxia is choking due to lack of oxygen.
The Henderson, Nevada police are looking for Blasberg's doctor, Dr. Thomas Hess who is believed to have been present at the death scene. According to media reports, it was her doctor who first informed the police about the player’s death. The investigation head Murphy told media that prior to putting the plastic bag on her head, Blasberg took a heavy dose of drugs that were prescribed to her by Dr. Hess. He added that there were no signs of ventricular collapse which is an ultimate result of strangling. Therefore, the verdict of Murder is completely ruled out.
The drugs prescribed by Dr. Hess, who happens to be a family practitioner in Las Vegas, were butalbital, temazepam, alprazolam, codeine, hydrocodone and tremadol. These drugs are often used in a state of heavy depression. The toxicology report also reveals that the deceased showed symptoms of headache, cough, and pain. The police arrested Dr. Hess on the grounds of obstruction of justice but he posted a bail of $600. According to the law enforcement officials, Dr. Hess could be subjected to a penalty of $1000 and also a jail term of 6 months. During police interrogation, He admitted having removed the death note along with pills which he found near Blasberg's body. He said that he had called Erica the previous night to ask of her welfare but she was intoxicated and when he went to her place for a checkup the next morning she had a tournament to catch. He found her dead the same night in her home with a plastic bag wrapped around her head. On this, he immediately called 911. His voice recording at 911 specifically says, “I need to report a suicide. I came by to check on her last night. She had a couple of drinks and now when I came by to check on her, she’s dead. She put a bag on her head.”
Blasberg turned professional in June 2004 and played on the Futures Tour that season. She won the Laconia Savings Bank Golf Classic and en route to her first professional win broke the Tour's 18 hole scoring record, shooting a 62. She earned non-exempt status for the LPGA Tour at the 2004 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. Blasberg started on the LPGA Tour in 2005, making the cut in most of her early events but not contending for top positions. In 2007, she finished 104th on the money list. She entered 2010 with limited playing opportunities and played just one tournament, the Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico where she finished tied for 44th.
Blasberg seemed satisfied with her professional achievements although she was a bit nervous about her upcoming season as she knew it would be a tough one for her. Above all, she was an asset for the golf world and her absence will always be felt by the greens and also by her fans.
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