Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll icon Elvis Presley, passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. The news of her death shocked and saddened her fans and the music industry, as she was one of the most prominent figures in the entertainment world. She was also known for her four high-profile marriages, to Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Lockwood.
But what was the cause of death for Lisa Marie Presley? How did she die so suddenly and unexpectedly? What were the complications that led to her fatal condition? In this article, we will reveal the shocking truth behind the singer’s demise, based on the official autopsy report and the statements of medical experts.
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Small bowel obstruction: A rare and deadly complication
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, Lisa Marie Presley died of natural causes, as a result of a “sequelae of a small bowel obstruction”. A small bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine, often caused by things like scar tissue, a hernia, or cancer. Without surgery, it can cause bowel tissue to die or perforate, leading to death.
In Presley’s case, the report found that the obstruction was caused by adhesions (or, scar tissue) that developed after bariatric surgery (or, weight-loss surgery) that she underwent several years ago. This is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery, the report noted.
Bariatric surgery is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach or bypasses part of the small intestine, to help people lose weight. However, it can also cause some side effects, such as malnutrition, ulcers, infections, and adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between organs and tissues, and can cause them to stick together or twist. This can lead to obstruction, pain, and inflammation.
Dr. Michael Camilleri, a consultant and professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic, told CNN that the medications found in Presley’s blood may have also contributed to her condition. The report stated that she had therapeutic levels of oxycodone (a painkiller), quetapine metabolite (used to treat depression, schizophrenia, or manic episodes), and buprenorphine (another painkiller that can also be used to treat opioid addiction). These drugs may have slowed down the motility of the intestine and made it more likely for it to get obstructed by the adhesions, Camilleri said.
The final hours of Lisa Marie Presley: A tragic end
The medical examiner’s report also detailed the final hours of Lisa Marie Presley’s life, based on the statements of her family and friends. The report said that she was complaining of abdominal pain on the morning of her death, and that she had vomited several times. She also had difficulty breathing and was sweating profusely. She was taken to a hospital in Calabasas, California, where she was pronounced dead at 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Folasade P. May, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the Melvin and Bren Simon Gastroenterology Quality Improvement Program, told CNN that she suspects Presley developed a cardiac arrest because she had a severe complication from the small bowel obstruction. She said that the obstruction could have caused a perforation, an infection, or a loss of blood supply to the bowel, which could have triggered a shock or a heart attack.
Presley’s last public appearance was two days before her death, at the Golden Globes. She looked radiant and happy, as she posed with her mother, Priscilla Presley, and her daughter, Riley Keough. She was also working on a new album, which was expected to be released later that year. She had a successful career as a singer and songwriter, releasing three albums and earning several accolades. She was also a philanthropist and an advocate for children’s rights.
Presley was buried next to her son, Benjamin Keough, who killed himself in 2020. She was survived by her mother, her daughter, and her twin daughters, Harper and Finley. Her death sparked a legal dispute over her will, which was settled in May. The details were never made public.
A legacy of music and love: Remembering Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley was the only child of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, born on February 1, 1968. She grew up in the spotlight, as the heir to the Presley legacy. She inherited her father’s musical talent and passion, as well as his charisma and charm. She was also influenced by her mother’s beauty and grace, as well as her strength and independence.
Presley was married four times, to Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Lockwood. She had four children, Riley, Benjamin, Harper, and Finley. She loved her family deeply, and was devoted to them. She also had many friends and admirers, who supported her and appreciated her. She was generous and compassionate, and used her fame and fortune to help others. She was involved in many charitable causes, such as the Presley Charitable Foundation, the Elvis Presley Trust, and the Dream Factory.
Presley was a talented and versatile artist, who explored different genres and styles of music. She released three albums, To Whom It May Concern (2003), Now What (2005), and Storm and Grace (2012). She received positive reviews and acclaim for her work, and sold millions of copies worldwide. She also collaborated with other artists, such as Pat Benatar, Pink, and her father. She performed at various venues and events, such as the Grand Ole Opry, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii concert.
Presley left behind a legacy of music and love, that will live on in the hearts and minds of her fans and the public. She was a remarkable woman, who faced many challenges and triumphs in her life. She was a daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend, a singer, a songwriter, a philanthropist, and a legend. She was Lisa Marie Presley, and she will be missed.
