Brittany Murphy dying: questions abound

One early sign points to a trend in Hollywood that never reaches the emergency level of awareness that is required.

Many are pointing to the fact that Murphy of late had looked incredibly skinny (is she in the photo at right?) -- to the point of many publications being cautious to run photos of the former starlet.

Murphy dying immediately raises images of other Hollywood celebrities cut down too early because of weight issues including Karen Carpenter, Margaux Hemingway (yes, Ernest's granddaughter) and brings to mind those who have publicly spoken about their battles with the disease from Victoria Beckham (interview with ABC's 20/20 in 2003), Kate Beckinsale who said, "I don't want to be famous for being a former anorexic" and Tracey Gold.

The Murphy death official cause thus far is being reported as "natural causes." Los Angeles police have in fact opened an investigation into Murphy's death -- the most normal of responses for the death of someone so young. Murphy was pronounced dead at 10:04 am on December 20.

Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack, has refused an autopsy of the Clueless actress and thus raised more questions into their relationship and how her last days and months have been day-to-day. It was Monjack who made the 911 call that brought emergency crews to Murphy's home that could not resuscitate her.

The family of Murphy has reacted to her death and released a quick statement. "In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy."

One has to ask, why would a husband refuse an autopsy on his wife after she died decades before her time? May Murphy rest in peace, but there are some who believe that one's soul is not at rest until their death's questions are answered.

Although only 32 at the time of her death, Murphy was a veteran of over 60 entertainment projects since making her debut on Murphy Brown in 1991. Hollywood is shocked at the death of Brittany Murphy and celebrities from all corners have been chiming in as to their emotions concerning this truly shocking piece of Hollywood news in the already overly tragic year in celebrity deaths that is 2009.

Murphy death: celebs comment

As celebrities across the spectrum took to Twitter to Tweet their reactions to share their emotions to the sudden passing of the actress that many had worked with and known through years of serving as a veteran of the Hollywood scene.

Jessica Simpson was among the first, "Brittany Murphy was an incredible ray of Light to so many people. Her smile was contagious. My prayers are with her family and loved ones."

Oscar nominee Taraji P Henson added, "hey ya'll. Life is so precious. RIP Brittany Murphy."

Read on for more Brittany Murphy

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Brittany Murphy over the years
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