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Lisa Marie Presley died from complications linked to weight-loss surgery

The only daughter of Elvis Presley died at a Los Angeles hospital hours after being rushed in by paramedics

Graeme Massie
Los Angeles
Friday 14 July 2023 14:44 BST
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Related video: Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough celebrated Lisa Marie Presley’s twin daughters’ middle school graduation

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Lisa Marie Presley died from a small bowel obstruction linked to weight loss surgery she had years before, according to a California coroner.

Presley, the only daughter of music legend Elvis Presley, died at the age of 54 on 12 January hours after being hospitalised with an apparent cardiac arrest in Los Angeles.

A report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner on Thursday concluded that the singer and songwriter had died of natural causes caused by the small bowel obstruction.

The autopsy report states that the complication she experienced is a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is done for weight loss, according to The Associated Press.

Presley’s autopsy report included the official opinion of deputy medical examiner Dr Juan M Carrillo, who stated that the bowel obstruction was caused by “adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery years ago. This is a known long term complication of this type of surgery,” reported CNN.

“There is no evidence of injury or foul play. The manner of death is deemed natural,” Dr Carrillo concluded.

Autopsy toxicology results also showed “therapeutic” levels of oxycodone in Presley’s blood. There was also quetapine metabolite, which is used to treat depression, schizophrenia or manic episodes, and buprenorphine, which can be used to treat opioid addiction.

The report stated that Presley fell ill after complaining of stomach pain earlier in the day, and was eventually rushed to hospital in the city by paramedics.

She was buried on 22 January at her father’s famed Graceland home, where she lived as a child, and which is now a museum and shrine to the musician.

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“Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,” Priscilla Presley said in a statement after her death.

“They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”

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