Given Truman Capote’s long history with alcohol, when the coroner had completed looking into what killed the writer, the investigation found no alcohol in Capote’s system at the time of his death. Even the drugs found in his system — barbiturates, Valium, painkillers, and anti-seizure medication — were considered within medically prescribed limits. “The drug levels, although contributory, were not lethal and indicated regular usage in accordance with his past medical history,” the coroner determined (via UPI). If not for Capote’s other medical issues, the prescription drugs wouldn’t “have been a contributory problem.”
Besides liver disease and phlebitis, the coroner found evidence of epilepsy, infections in both legs, and emphysema. “He essentially died of natural causes,” a coroner’s office spokesman told the news agency. Perhaps during Capote’s final days, as he worked on his unfinished book he hoped would be his greatest, he’d been able to stay sober. But it was too late.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
