Did Accident Spur Allen's Death?

Did a traffic accident play a role in the death of entertainer Steve Allen?

The Los Angeles County coroner's office is investigating to determine if there was a connection.

The accident occurred about 75 minutes before Allen collapsed at his son's house at 7:45p.m. on October 30. He died at a hospital at 9 p.m., according to coroner's spokesman Scott Carrier. The 78-year-old Allen was under a doctor's care at the time.

Allen's physician listed heart attack as cause of death on the death certificate, Carrier said, but mention of the traffic collision forced referral to the coroner for investigation.

"He was going to his son's house and an SUV backed into the side of Allen's car. It was a very minor traffic accident. If a traffic accident is noted on the death certificate, we are required by California law to investigate it," Carrier said.

He said an autopsy was ordered and microscopic tissue was being analyzed to determine if any trauma from the crash played a part in his death. The autopsy was performed November 9. Results are expected within six weeks.

"What we are looking at is: Did this minor traffic accident play a role in his death?" Carrier said.

Telephone messages left for Allen's son, Bill, and widow, Jayne Meadows, at Meadowland Productions weren't returned.

When his father died, Bill Allen said, "He said he was a little tired after dinner. He went to relax, peacefully, and never reawakened."

Allen's car was struck by the sports utility vehicle as it backed out of a driveway in suburban Encino near son Bill's home. The entertainer's car had only minor damage and Allen drive on to his son's home.

"He appeared unsteady," family members told the coroner's office.

Allen, was the original host of the Tonight Show and a prolific songwriter who penned more than 8,000 songs. Before his death, he was busy promoting his 53rd book, Steve Allen's Private Joke File, and finishing his 54th manuscript, Vulgarians at the Gate, a commentary on his long battle against obscenity in the entertainment industry.