CBS/AP/ February 12, 2012, 2:33 AM

Whitney Houston died in Beverly Hills hotel room

Updated Feb. 12, 2012, 2:01 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - Beverly Hills, Calif., police say detectives are investigating after pop icon Whitney Houston died in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton.

Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen told reporters outside the Beverly Hilton that Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. in her room on the fourth floor of the hotel. Her body remained there and Beverly Hills detectives were investigating.

"There were no obvious signs of any criminal intent at this time," Rosen said.

Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, said Saturday that the cause of her death is unknown.

Rosen said police received a 911 call from hotel security about Houston at 3:43 p.m. Saturday. Paramedics who were already at the hotel because of a Grammy party unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate the singer, he said.

Beverly Hills Police Department later issued a statement:""Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at the scene by members of her entourage which included friends, co-workers, and family. Ms. Houston's daughter and mother were notified of here death."

The statement also added that "the investigation is currently being conducted" and that "there is no additional information at this time."

"The actual cause of death will be determined by the L.A. Co. Coroner's Office," it said.

Houston's death came on the eve of music's biggest night -- the Grammy Awards. It's a showcase where she once reigned, and her death is sure to case a heavy pall on Sunday's ceremony.

Her longtime mentor Clive Davis was to hold his annual concert and dinner Saturday; it's unclear if it's going to go forward.

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Houston was one of the world's best-selling artists from the middle 1980s to the late 1990s. Her voice and image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

Two days ago, she performed at a pre-Grammy party with singer Kelly Price.

60 Photos

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

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24 Comments Add a Comment
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thejudge1382 says:
how quick are we to judge, and who are we to judge her,or anyone,for that matter!...and based on what?...tabloid trash? did any of you know her persona,intimate life?..I dont think so!God and God only is her judge! so shut up, and remember what we do know about her! All we know for sure is that she will always be one of the greatest voices this planet will ever hear...EVER!go buy her CDs and enjoy her and maybe shed a tear or two for her!Rest in Peace Whitney..the world will always love you!Good bye baby!
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thejudge1382 replies:
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@USA_is_rush (to judgement)...did you live with her? did you know her mind?..her soul?...her intimate thoughts and conflicts?
IDONT THINK SO!Who do you think you are to come to THAT conclusion? God? I dont think so!She had a soul and talent only God can give!...Its Gossipers like you that believe the stupid tabloid ink that ruin peoples lives! and you are one of those that should not have the ability to speak or write or access to the internet!...'nough said!
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imperfect-glory says:
Someone has an exceptional talent, they share it with the world, and we let them know our expectations for perfection in ALL areas of their life. We tell them; it's great that you have an extraordinary talent, but now we need you to be "this", we need less of "that", and.....

Whitney was imperfect, but her voice was glorious. It's when she tried to become perfect, that she stumbled from glory. Once she realized the impossible task of the worlds expectations for her, she decided to numb the reality with drugs, addictions and destructive relationships.

It wasn't enough that she was a great singer and performer, we needed her to be so much else. And when she fell from glory, we simply moved on to the next great talent.....because they'll live up to all our expectations. Concluding that "Maybe Whitney just wasn't what we thought she was." It's a vicious cycle that has caused so many people their lives.

I saw Whitney's imperfect glory and I thank her for sharing it with the world.

RIP Whitney.

http://imperfectglory.com
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twhiting9276 says:
"Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at the scene by members of her entourage which included friends, co-workers, and family."
I do hope that at least ONE member of that entourage was someone QUALIFIED to legally pronounce her dead
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ralphing replies:
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Don't be ridiculous. Only a coroner can pronounce someone dead. If you had actually read the first news reports, there were Firemen and EMT's already on site because of the event. They were trying to resuscitate her within four minutes. The coroner pronounced her dead within that same hour.
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baileyccc says:
She joins "All the Great Singers", because all the great singers are dead.
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marrofkane says:
Really surprising, unless it was due to drug abuse, but until the autopsy results come back, we may never know. Great talent gone to waste.
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slownewsday4BO2012 says:
She was an arrogant obnoxious angry self destructive person and entertainer.I bet she was partying and using drugs on the eve of the Grammys. He bad heath due to all her drug use had to also be a factor in hear death.

All these super stars are finally paying for their pride ,ego's and self over indulgences. They think they are going to live and be great forever and nothing can touch them. Michael Jackson also comes to mind. In reality it was a short ride and not worth the price they paid.
They never learn from the others before them
Pride cometh before the fall.
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Ascoolasitget replies:
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Wow you brought Micheal into this, somethings seriously wrong with you, wait I know, you're jealousy do I see the little green eye monster coming out, or where dumped on your head as child, mmmm I thinking both!!! Maybe you should get God in your life and you won't be so BITTER justing saying!
BareNaked17 replies:
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Regardless. She is a human being and has died at a tragic age of 48. We are all flawed, she got caught up in a lifestyle and it led to her destruction. However, it is still a very sad day, that she couldn't get the help she needed to turn her life around.
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prettygirl197381 says:
wow this is so sad i cant believe shes gone i loved all of her songs she will be miss very much.... my heart goes out to her Daughter and family...
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goodness1multiplied says:
May God hold her in is loving hands, because now she can never be hurt again. We all will miss you.
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MagnaCartaUK says:
Awful news indeed to start the day with. I wasn't exactly a fan, but I did like 'One Moment in Time', it brings back many good memories. It's to be hoped that she's finally found peace, and in time hopefully those close to her can find it too. Terribly sad.
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Henri_Rochard says:
Whitney Houston: Great pipes. Easy on the eyes.

RIP, Miss Houston.
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