Cocaine triggered Who bassist's fatal heart attack (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cocaine triggered Who bassist's fatal heart attack

LEGENDARY Who bassist John Entwistle died from a heart attack caused by cocaine use, the US coroner investigating his death said last week.

A report released by the Clark County Coroner's Office in Nevada ruled that the 57-year-old rock star's death was an accident.

Coroner Ron Flud said officials believed the heart attack was brought on "by the significant amount of cocaine" that was in Mr Entwistle's system at the time he died.

He said the exact amount of the drug taken by Mr Entwistle, who was reportedly taking medication for a heart condition, was not known.

"It's not like alcohol. There is no way we can put a number on it," Mr Flud said.

"You've got a lethal drug on board at the time you have a bad heart. That's a bad combination."

According to a statement from Mr Flud's office the immediate cause of Mr Entwistle's death was "ischemic heart disease" due to "coronary atherosclerosis."

In layman's terms, this means that his death occurred when cocaine caused the contraction of coronary arteries that were already damaged by heart disease.

The star who lived in Stow-on-the-Wold for 27 years, was found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room in June on the eve of the group's three month US tour.

Last month Who vocalist Roger Daltrey and lead guitarist Pete Townshend were among hundreds of mourners who attended Mr Entwistle's funeral in Stow-on-the-Wold.

An inquest into Mr Entwistle's death was opened and adjourned in Cheltenham two weeks ago.

Deputy coroner Dr Sophie Burrows adjourned the hearing until more test results from the US were available.

Caption: Who vocalist Roger Daltrey and lead guitarist Pete Townshend pictured at Mr Entwistle's funeral in Stow-on-the-Wold.