LA coroner probing death report on TMZ

LA coroner probing death report on TMZ

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles coroner’s officials are looking into how details of an investigator’s report on Brittany Murphy’s death were leaked to TMZ.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter says he doesn’t know how the Web site apparently obtained the confidential report. TMZ’s report stated the investigator, who is only identified by last name, noted numerous bottles of prescription medications were found in Murphy’s name at the Hollywood Hills home where she collapsed Sunday.

The 32-year-old died after suffering cardiac arrest Sunday. Winter says coroner’s officials are looking into whether the actress’s death was due to natural causes, but also want to see the results of toxicology and tissue testing.

‘Sesame Street’ star dies

LOS ANGELES — Alaina Reed-Amini, the Broadway star and TV actress best known for her long-running roles on “Sesame Street” and “227,” has died. She was 63. Reed-Amini died Dec. 17 at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica after a two-year battle with breast cancer, her publicist Billy Laurence said Monday.

Previously known as Alaina Reed Hall, she remarried in 2008. She appeared in several movies, including “Cruel Intentions” and “Death Becomes Her,” and in guest-starring roles on numerous TV shows such as “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Drew Carey Show” and “Ally McBeal.”

Reed-Amini joined the “Sesame Street” cast in 1976 and played Olivia, a photographer and sister of the character Gordon. She remained on the show until 1988. She starred on NBC’s “227” from 1985 to 1990.

Today’s birthdays

Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) is 69. Drummer Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly is 68. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons”) is 66. Actress Susan Lucci (“All My Children”) is 63. Guitarist Dave Murray of Iron Maiden is 53. Singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 45. Actor Corey Haim is 38.