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Tawny Kitaen died from dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner ruled her death natural. The report also noted mild coronary atherosclerosis and several medications in her system, but it did not classify the death as a drug overdose.
What caused Tawny Kitaen’s death?
The official cause was dilated cardiomyopathy. In its formal wording, the coroner’s record states: “CAUSE OF DEATH: Dilated cardiomyopathy.” This is a heart-muscle condition and was the medical cause identified by forensic pathologist Anthony A. Juguilon, M.D.
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What the official record says
| Record item | Finding |
|---|---|
| Cause of death | Dilated cardiomyopathy |
| Manner of death | Natural |
| Other condition | Mild coronary atherosclerosis |
| Estimated death | May 7, 2021, at about 8:00 a.m. |
| Place of death | Her residence in Newport Beach, California |
| Age | 59 |
| Autopsy and amendment | Autopsy performed May 11, 2021; report amended October 20, 2021 |
Did drugs cause Tawny Kitaen’s death?
The report recorded mirtazapine and its metabolite, alprazolam, acetaminophen, pregabalin and hydrocodone in her system. Those findings describe substances detected during the examination; they do not change the coroner’s conclusion. The manner remained natural, and the stated cause was dilated cardiomyopathy rather than an overdose.
What is the significance of coronary atherosclerosis?
Mild coronary atherosclerosis was documented as an additional cardiac finding. It was not listed as the primary cause. The report’s distinction matters: dilated cardiomyopathy is the stated cause, while the atherosclerosis is a separate condition noted in the findings.
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When was the cause of death revealed?
Kitaen died on May 7, 2021, but the cause became public in October 2021, about five months later. NBC Los Angeles reported the Orange County Coroner’s confirmation on October 22, 2021, identifying dilated cardiomyopathy, the mild coronary atherosclerosis and the medications detected. CBS Los Angeles likewise reported the natural-death ruling.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the announcement drew attention
Kitaen was widely known for appearing in Whitesnake videos, including “Here I Go Again,” and for film and television work such as Bachelor Party. That public profile explains the interest in the coroner’s disclosure, but the medical determination came from the Orange County autopsy record.
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