UPDATE: Investigation on Joan Rivers' Death Reveals Biopsy Performed Without Prior Consent; Doctor Took 'Selfie'

New information has emerged today on the tragic death of legendary comedian Joan Rivers. CNN reports that a source close to the investigation has revealed that the cardiac arrest which led to Rivers' death occured as her doctor began to perform a biopsy on her vocal cords.

According to the report, a staff member at Manhattan's Yorkville Endoscopy clinic, where the 81-year-old was scheduled to have a routine endoscopy to determine why her voice had suddenly become hoarse, told investigators that the doctor, who has not been publicly identified, took a SELFIE photo in the procedure room while Rivers was under anesthesia.

The source shares that the endoscopy, which entailed inserting a camera down her throat, was performed by the clinic's medical director, gastroenterologist Dr. Lawrence Cohen. Following that procedure, an ear, nose and throat specialist not certified by the clinic (as required by law), performed a biopsy on her vocal cords without Rivers' prior consent.

Dr. Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at New York University's Langone Medical Center, explains, "Even though you are a licensed physician, you still should have, if you will, the checks and balances to get your approval to practice in that particular place,."

The source went on to share that investigators involved in the case believe that on the morning of August 29th, the comic's vocal chords began to swell during the allegedly unauthorized biopsy, which resuled in the cutting off the flow of Oxygen to her lungs, leading to the eventual cardiac arrest. Rivers was rushed by paramedics from Yorkville Endoscopy to New York's Mount Sinai Hospital a mile away. She passed away a week later.

The source added that as of today, neither Cohen nor the ENT doctor have been accused of wrongdoing by investigators. Citing federal privacy law, the clinic declined to respond to the source's comments about a biopsy or a selfie.

In a statement released last week, Yorkville Endoscopy has denied reports that any vocal cord biopsy has ever been done at the clinic but did confirm that Dr. Cohen, "is not currently performing procedures...nor is he currently serving as medical director."

Rivers was long a fixture on the New York scene, with numerous standup appearances, benefit appearances, and a long association with the theatrical community. She was a constant presence at opening nights and special events, and never hesitated to express her love for theatre and live entertainment.

Her Broadway credits include Fun City, Broadway Bound and Sally Marr...and her escorts, for which she received a Drama Desk Nomination as Outstanding Actress in a Play and a Tony Nomination for Best Actress in a Play. The lights of Broadway were dimmed in her honor last week.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos