Marilyn Monroe died on August 4, 1962, at the age of 36. The cause of her death was an acute barbiturate overdose, officially ruled as a probable suicide by the Los Angeles County coroner's office
. She was found dead in her Brentwood home, lying face down on her bed, nude and clutching a telephone receiver
. Monroe had struggled with mental illness and substance abuse, and was reported to be in a depressed mood before her death. Toxicology reports showed lethal levels of chloral hydrate and pentobarbital in her system, taken in a short period of time
. No suicide note was found, but this was not unusual according to psychiatric experts involved in the investigation
. Her death sparked various conspiracy theories involving prominent figures, but a 1982 review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney found no evidence to dispute the original findings of probable suicide
. In summary:
- Date of death: August 4, 1962
- Age at death: 36 years old
- Cause: Acute barbiturate overdose (sleeping pills)
- Official ruling: Probable suicide
- Location: Brentwood home, Los Angeles, California
