A Beverly Hills police says that the cause of the 'I Will Always Love You' hitmaker's passing is being investigated, and notes that there were 'no obvious signs of criminal intent.'
- Feb 12, 2012
AceShowbiz - New details have emerged in the death of pop icon Whitney Houston. Beverly Hills police Lieutenant Mark Rosen told reporters that the "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" singer was pronounced dead at 3:55 P.M. Saturday, February 11 afternoon in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton hotel.
Rosen went on to dish that emergency assistance received a call at around 3:30 P.M. from hotel security. When paramedics arrived, they found Houston unresponsive and performed CPR for about 20 minutes. The police officer added, "She has been positively identified by friends and family that were with her at the hotel, and next of kin have already been notified."
When informing the press, Rosen said he didn't know who called paramedics. "She had quite an entourage upstairs. She is here with family, friends and co-workers," he said. "Someone in her entourage found her unresponsive in her room." The lieutenant further noted that police are still investigating cause of the singer's death, but did note, "There were no obvious signs of any criminal intent at this time."
Since news of Houston's death broke out, many have expressed their grief and offered their condolences. Among the first to weigh in on the loss was music producer Quincy Jones. He said in a statement, "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. ... I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."
Mariah Carey and Rihanna were among those who reacted to the sad news on Twitter. "My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth," wrote Carey, while Riri simply tweeted, "No words. Just tears. #DearWhitney."
Also releasing statement in the wake of Huston's passing was President of the Recording Academy Neil Portnow. "Six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades," he said.
"Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs," Portnow continued on his statement. "A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice."
