Celebrity Prescription Overdoses
An estimated 20 percent of Americans have abused prescription drugs, according to a 2008 government survey. And even without abuse, prescription drugs, if mixed the wrong way or taken under the wrong conditions, can be deadly.
Here are seven tragic celebrity stories of abuse, accidental deaths and outright suicide.
Greg Giraldo 2010
He became a Comedy Central favorite for his dry wit and sharp tongue.
But on Sept. 29, 2010, the curtain came down on Giraldo. He died from a prescription drug overdose, although it was not immediately clear which ones.
He was only 44.
Brittany Murphy 2009
A coroner's report blamed pneumonia, iron deficiency and "multiple drug intoxication."
A combination of prescription vicoprofen (a narcotic pain reliever) and over-the-counter cold medications were found in her blood, her husband Simon Monjack said.
Five months later, he was found dead in the same home.
The cause was acute pneumonia and severe anemia, according to the coroner. Prescription drugs were not thought to be a factor.
Heath Ledger 2008
The medical examiner's office said he died of an accidental overdose of painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs.
Anna Nicole Smith 2007
She was 39.
She died of "combined drug intoxication" with the sleeping medication chloral hydrate as the major factor, according to the Associated Press.
Smith was taking a lengthy list of other medications, including methadone for pain.
Rob Pilatus 1998
He and Fabrice Morvan, Milli Vanilli's other half, were suspected of - and eventually confessed - to having lip-synced most of their recordings.
Pilatus' death was ruled accidental, but he had previously tried to kill himself, according to the New York Times.
Keith Moon 1978
But as with many such deaths where the victim is on prescribed medication and also abuses other drugs, the direct cause of death can be a prolonged matter of debate.
Judy Garland 1969
Her death certificate states that it was accidental. However, there is speculation that it was suicide.
Dorothy Dandridge 1965
Whether her death was an accident or suicide remains an open question.
Marilyn Monroe 1962
Photos: Marilyn Monroe
Video: "48 Hours" on Marilyn Monroe