Andy Gibb, the Australian-born pop singer and former teen idol, died of heart inflammation and there was no evidence that drugs or alcohol were involved, doctors said yesterday.
Newsday, March 12, 1988
MDs: Drugs Didn't Kill GibbConstable Michael Harvey of the Oxford coroner's office said no inquest would be held because died of natural causes.
Gibb died Thursday at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, after complaining of stomach pains. He was about to resume singing and start recording for Island Records after years of personal and drug problems. Brothers Robin, Barry and Maurice of the Bee Gees singing group said the body "will be flown back to his home in Los Angeles as soon as possible and a memorial service will be held there."
"All friends and family mourn the passing of this exceptionally talented and well-loved artist," they said in a statement issued through Robin Gibb's personal assistant, Ken Graydon.
A hospital statement yesterday said: "Mr. Gibb died from inflammation of the heart of the sort commonly caused by a virus. There is no evidence that his death was related to drink or drugs."
Rob Partridge, publicist for Island Records Ltd., said Gibb became ill last weekend and was admitted to the hospital "essentially for observation."
"Prior to him falling ill, I'm unaware of any heart condition at all," Partridge said.
