The Truth About Mama Cass Elliot's Death and the Urban Legend That Followed
By Marco Margaritoff
Edited by Erik Hawkins
Cass Elliot, also known as Mama Cass, was an American singer known for her heavyset figure and as one of four members of the Mamas & the Papas. She died suddenly at the age of 32 on July 29, 1974, in the London flat of Harry Nilsson, where she was living with her friend and road manager.
In the years following her death, a rumor spread that Elliot had choked to death on a ham sandwich. This rumor has been widely debunked, and the official cause of death was determined to be a heart attack.
In her recently released memoir, Elliot's daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugell, rejects the ham sandwich story and offers new insights into her mother's death. Elliot-Kugell writes that her mother had been struggling with weight issues and had recently undergone a crash diet. She also had a history of heart problems.
Elliot-Kugell believes that the combination of these factors contributed to her mother's death. She writes, "I believe that my mother's death was a result of her body giving out. Her heart was weak, and her weight loss had put a strain on her system."
Conclusion
The death of Mama Cass Elliot was a tragedy that left a lasting impact on the music world. The rumors and speculation that followed her death only served to further obscure the truth about her final days. However, thanks to the efforts of her daughter and other close friends, we now have a clearer understanding of the events leading up to her untimely demise.
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