Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy, who got her start in the hit Clueless and rose to stardom in 8 Mile, died in Los Angeles of what appeared to be natural causes, a coroner's official said.
Murphy, 32, was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, hospital spokeswoman Sally Stewart said.
Murphy was transported to the hospital after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at the home she shared with her husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, in the Hollywood Hills.
Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said Murphy apparently collapsed in the bathroom, and authorities were looking into her medical history.
An official cause of death may not be determined for some time, since toxicology tests will be required, but "it appears to be natural," Mr Winter said. He said an autopsy was planned for Monday or Tuesday.
Mr Winter said Murphy's family was co-operating with the coroner's investigation but would not be releasing a public statement. He said funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Los Angeles police have opened an investigation into Murphy's death. Detectives and coroner's officials were at Murphy and Monjack's home but did not talk to reporters. Paparazzi were camped outside the home, located above the Sunset Strip.
Neighbour Clare Staples said she saw firefighters working to resuscitate the actress. She said Murphy was on a stretcher and "looked as though she was dead at the scene".
Murphy's husband, wearing pyjama bottoms and no shoes, appeared "dazed" as firefighters tried to save her, Ms Staples said. "It's just tragic," she added.
Murphy's father, Angelo Bertolotti, said he learned of her death from his son, the actress's brother, and was stunned. "She was just an absolute doll since she was born," Mr Bertolotti said from his Florida home.
