A Los Angeles coroner’s report revealed Friday the death of Steve Allen was, in fact, related to a car accident he was involved in just hours before he died.
It was originally believed the 78-year-old comedian died as the result of a heart attack, but the newly released report states that Allen’s death on Oct. 30 was caused by “hemopericardium,” a heart-related condition brought on by the accident.
“There was a leakage of blood into the sac surrounding the heart due to a ruptured blood vessel,” explained Scott Carrier at the L.A. Coroner’s office.
“There was a hole in the wall of the heart allowing the blood to leak out. This was the result of Mr. Allen’s being injured in a minor traffic accident shortly before his death which bruised the left side of his chest. He already had a heart condition.”
Allen was driving to his son’s house outside Los Angeles when his Lexus was struck by an SUV backing out of a driveway. The accident was considered minor, and Allen continued his trip. He died just a few hours later while taking a nap.
- Tonight Show’s Steve Allen Dead At 78
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