Anna Nicole Smith, born Vickie Lynn Hogan, was an American model and television personality who died on February 8, 2007, at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her hotel room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, and was pronounced dead at Memorial Regional Hospital shortly after
. Her death was officially ruled an accidental drug overdose caused by combined drug intoxication. The primary drug involved was the sedative chloral hydrate, which became increasingly toxic when combined with multiple other prescription medications in her system, including four benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine, and topiramate. No illegal drugs were found in her system, and the death was not considered homicide, suicide, or natural causes
. In the months leading to her death, Smith was struggling with depression and health issues, including a bacterial infection and the flu. This followed the tragic death of her 20-year-old son Daniel, who died of an accidental drug overdose just three days after the birth of her daughter Dannielynn in September 2006. Smith's grief reportedly led to increased prescription drug use and a decline in her health
. An investigation revealed that many of the drugs found in Smith’s system were prescribed by her psychiatrist and others, some allegedly obtained illegally. Her body showed signs of prior injections and viral enteritis, which were contributory factors but not the primary cause of death
. Smith's death sparked legal and public attention, including a custody battle over her daughter and criminal charges against individuals involved in prescribing her medications, although those accused pled not guilty
. In summary, Anna Nicole Smith died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs amid a period of personal tragedy and health struggles, with her death ruled as combined drug intoxication rather than suicide or foul play
