What we know for sure is that authorities were called to Houston's hotel room at 3:43 p.m. Saturday after her bodyguard found her unconscious.
Houston was found in the room's bathtub, according to the news entertainment website TMZ. Pill bottles were found at the scene, TMZ said, citing sources close to Houston, and her bodyguard attempted CPR. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m., authorities stated.
There were "no obvious signs of criminal intent," said Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen.
There were "no obvious signs of criminal intent," said Beverly Hills police Lt. Mark Rosen.
While Houston had battled drug addiction for years, she was attempting a comeback, playing a few shows and working on a movie, "Sparkle," set for release this summer. An unnamed music industry executive, who was staying in the room above Houston, said she had seen Houston and her daughter swimming in the hotel pool a few days ago. The two looked happy, she said, and Houston looked healthy and beautiful.
Her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, was taken to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Sunday, police in Beverly Hills said. No information on her condition was available
Houston's former husband, entertainer Bobby Brown, issued a statement Sunday:
"I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife," the statement read. "At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed toward my family and I at this most difficult time."
The party Houston was set to attend Saturday night was hosted by Clive Davis, her mentor. It went on as scheduled, but Houston's death cast a shadow over the event.
"I do have a heavy heart, and I am personally devastated," Davis told the gathering of artists and entertainers that included Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight and Britney Spears. He asked for a moment of silence, and said, "My heart goes out to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and her mother, Cissy."
However, many questions swirled Sunday about the cause of Houston's death. Police were tight-lipped, saying Sunday no further updates would be issued before Monday. An autopsy could take place as soon as Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's office, although toxicology tests typically take several weeks.
Meanwhile, Houston fans gathered outside the hotel Saturday night, lighting candles and placing roses outside.
"Everyone has their own demons, and some overcome them and some never do," said fan Tya Conerly.
And with the Grammy Awards set for Sunday night, organizers hastily put into motion plans to honor Houston during the ceremony, with the help of singer Jennifer Hudson.
There will be a "respectful musical tribute," said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer. "It's too fresh in everyone's memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn't recognize Whitney's remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and in particular her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years."
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