Smith, Anna Nicole
Anna Nicole Smith (real name: Vicky Lynn Hogan) was born on 11/28/1967 in Mexia, Texas. She was a successful model who gained much attention after marrying an 89-year old oil tycoon (J. Howard Marshall) in 1994. She basically became famous for being famous. Relevant medical history includes her struggle with obesity, which is an abnormal increase in the amount of fat cells in the body compared to the amount of other types of cells. She managed to lose a very significant amount of weight (i.e., 69 pounds) recently, which she stated was due to use of diet drinks from a company known as TrimSpa. The diet drink purports to work by suppressing appetite, speeding up metabolism, and more. Each bottle is quite expensive, however, costing between $34.95 and $49.95.

Anna Nicole Smith has been in the news again since 9/10/06 because of the death of her 20-year old son, Daniel Smith, in the Bahamas. He died while visiting his mother in a private Nassau hospital, 3 days after giving birth. Daniel Smith was the product of her marriage to her 1st husband, Billy Smith, from 1985-1987. The cause of death is unknown at this time but the case caused a media frenzy when the head coroner (Linda Virgill) labeled the death “suspicious” and called for an investigation that could lead to criminal charges. A coroner is a public official who investigates the causes and circumstances of deaths that occur in a specific geographical area, especially those that may have resulted from natural causes. Virgill was dismissed from the case early on.

A 2nd autopsy (physical examination of a dead body) was performed by Dr. Cyril Wecht and the cause of death was initially listed as undetermined, pending further laboratory studies. When results of those laboratory studies returned, Dr. Wecht concluded Mr. Smith died accidentally of a lethal combination of 2 antidepressant medications (Lexapro & Zoloft) and methadone. Methadone is a pain medication that is sometimes used to treat people who are addicted to heroin, morphine, or other pain reducing drugs. It should be noted, however, that there is no direct information supporting that Mr. Smith was a drug addict. The combination of methadone with Zoloft and Lexapro reportedly had a lethal effect on the central nervous system (brain & spine). Mr. Smith had reportedly been suffering from depression a few weeks before he came to the Bahamas.

*NOTE: MedFriendly does not endorse TrimSpa or any diet products.

Back to main page Contact MedFriendly.com Use of MedFriendly is subject to reading this disclaimer & the terms and conditions.