LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Los Angeles coroners were to carry out an autopsy on the body of Brittany Murphy on Monday following the 32-year-old actress's sudden death at the weekend.
Assistant Coroner Ed Winter said initial reports indicated that the star of "Clueless" and "8 Mile" died from heart-related causes but said toxicology tests would also be carried out.
The TMZ.com entertainment website reported meanwhile that Murphy was very ill in the hours before her death on Sunday and that multiple prescription drugs were discovered in her home.
Los Angeles Police Department investigators said Sunday foul play was not suspected in the death following preliminary inquiries.
News of Murphy's death comes after a medical drama involving her husband Simon Monjack last month, when an ambulance was called to a Los Angeles airport arrival gate as the couple returned from Puerto Rico.
On that occasion, it was the actress's husband who was rushed to hospital. Reports said the couple had been returning to Los Angeles after Murphy was thrown off the set of a movie and fired for difficult behavior.
Murphy made her name in television sitcoms during the 1990s before grabbing notable roles in "Clueless," "Girl, Interrupted," "Sin City," "8 Mile" and "Happy Feet."
She provided the voice of Luanne Platter in more than 200 episodes of the animated television sitcom "King Of The Hill."
Celebrities meanwhile took to micro-blogging site Twitter to express their grief over Murphy's death.
"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," wrote Jessica Simpson.
Lindsay Lohan wrote: "My deepest condolences go out to all of Brittany Murphy's loved ones & may she rest in peace... She was a great talent w/a beautiful soul."
Meanwhile celebrity blogger Perez Hilton struck a somber note, saying Murphy's death followed a "decade of decadence" in the entertainment world.
"Hollywood