Sources Report Outpatient Procedure Error Led to Joan Rivers' Death

The Daily News is reporting that an outpatient procedure that a doctor performed on Joan Rivers during a planned endoscopy led to the death of the legendary comedian.

According to a new report, doctors found something on the entertainer's vocal cords and decided to proceed with a risky biopsy procedure which should have only been performed in a hospital.

During the biopsy, Rivers' vocal cords reportedly seized and closed shut, cutting off her air supply. Sources tell the site that while the medical team tried to resuscitate her, her heart stopped beating.

The 81-year-old never recovered from the procedure and passed away last week. Last night, Broadway theaters dimmed their marquee lights in honor of the comedian.

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.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

To post a comment, you must register and login.