As we near the 10 year anniversary of Bobbi Kristina’s death, let’s take a look back on her and mother’s life and the haunting parallels between their devastating exits.
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The shocking passings of both Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina just three years later is still one of music’s greatest heartbreaks. The mother and daughter duo were beloved by both fans and close family and friends, so it’s no wonder why their untimely passings left shockwaves throughout the world. What’s even more tragic is the way in which the two women left this Earth and left all of us with more questions heartache. Here’s What happened.
Whitney Houston’s, “The Voice” of a Generation
Whitney Houston, known to many as “The Voice” was born on August 9, 1963. Over the course of her over 30 year career, she amassed countless accolades, sold over 200 million records, and starred in cult classic films like “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Bodyguard.”
Bobbi Kristina Is Born Amid Controversy
In 1993, Houston gave birth to her only child, a daughter Bobbi Kristina. However, her personal life–in particular her tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown and her years-long addiction to drugs made brought more controversy. Their drama often overshadowed Houston’s artistry, making headlines as often as her songs appeared on the music charts.
Things Take a Tragic Turn
Things came to a head on February 11, 2012–just one day before the Grammys– when the “I Have Nothing” singer was found unresponsive in a bathtub filled with water at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. According to the official coroner’s report, water was found in her lungs as well and the death was ruled an accidental drowning.
Official Cause of Death
Other substances like “cocaine and metabolites” were also found in her system but they weren’t at lethal level. However, other things like marijuana, Xanax, Benadryl, and Flexeril (a muscle relaxer) were also present in her blood stream, according to PEOPLE. Per the Los Angeles coroner, Houston’s death was exacerbated by her chronic cocaine use and heart disease.
Bobbi Kristina’s Rise
Sadly, it would only be three years later before tragedy would strike again towards Bobbi Kristina herself. The young 20-something was beginning to chart her own path, making a foray into reality TV for a time by appearing on “Being Bobby Brown” back in 2005.
A Career of Her Own
As she grew older, she started developing her creative talents and skills, securing a role on Tyler Perry’s hit show, “For Better or Worse” back in 2012 and tapping into her musical roots. Specifically, she expressed interest in singing and dancing which was highly indicative of the talented stock she came from.
A Haunting Death Strikes Yet Again
Unfortunately, her budding light would dim permanently on January 21, 2015 after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub–just like her mother. She would spend the next six months in a coma before ultimately passing away at age 22 on July 26, 2015.
Bobbi Kristina’s Cause of Death Revealed
According to a toxicology report, substances like marijuana, alcohol, “a cocaine-related substance,” sedative, anti-anxiety medications and morphine were found in her system. She Her death was ultimately attributed to pneumonia and encephalopathy that came by way of immersion and drug intoxication.
Why Their Deaths Hit So Hard
The mirrored circumstances of their death–both young, both tied to substance abuse, and both in a bathtub–sparked overwhelming confusion and sadness. Their stories and devastating deaths serve as a sobering reminder of how fame, family, addiction collide in the worst ways possible.
Their Legacies Live On
In the aftermath of their deaths, family and friends have done all they can to preserve their memories. Houston has received posthumous awards, had numerous biopics made about her and remained a cultural icon. As for Kristina, her love for her mother and family and beginning creative endeavors will forever be honored and cherished.
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