Unveiling the Truth: Lisa Marie Presley’s Autopsy Report Explained

Lisa Marie Presley, aged 54, passed away on January 12, 2023, at West Hills Hospital Medical Center in California.

The autopsy report reveals a complex medical history marked by chronic health issues and recent complications.

Her full name on the death certificate is listed as Lisa Marie Bolu Presley, incorporating her mother Priscilla Presley’s maiden name, a detail that adds a personal touch to the official record.

Investigators were notified after Lisa Marie was found unresponsive at home by her ex-husband, who had taken their children to school earlier that day.

Emergency responders achieved a return of spontaneous circulation after she suffered cardiac arrest, but she was transported to the hospital with a severely distended and rigid abdomen, signs indicative of severe internal distress.

Medical imaging and examinations revealed that Lisa Marie suffered from intestinal ischemia— a condition where blood flow to the intestines is reduced or blocked, leading to tissue damage.

This was complicated by a small bowel obstruction caused by adhesions, a known long-term complication from previous bariatric surgery she had undergone years earlier.

Bariatric surgery, including stomach stapling or gastric banding, is performed to aid weight loss and improve metabolic health but can carry risks such as adhesions that may cause intestinal strangulation.

During her hospital stay, Lisa Marie experienced multiple cardiac arrests despite medical interventions, including the insertion of a temporary pacemaker.

A CT scan showed severe anoxic brain injury, meaning her brain suffered significant damage due to oxygen deprivation—a critical consequence of prolonged cardiac arrest.

Toxicology reports found therapeutic levels of oxycodone, an opioid painkiller, and other medications such as quetiapine, an antidepressant, and buprenorphine, used in opioid disorder treatment.

These substances were not deemed contributory to her death.

Notably, there was no evidence of foul play or overdose, and no recent injuries or accidents were reported.

Lisa Marie had a history of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse but had reportedly been sober for several years before her death.

The autopsy also documented numerous healed scars consistent with past surgeries, including the removal of her gallbladder, appendix, and ovaries.

She had a history of abdominal pain and constipation, which she reportedly did not seek medical attention for in the months leading up to her death.

Her body bore tattoos honoring her children, including one for her late son Ben, who tragically died by suicide a few years earlier.

The final cause of death was determined to be severe metabolic acidosis due to small bowel obstruction with strangulation caused by adhesions from previous bariatric surgery.

Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body accumulates too much acid, often due to organ dysfunction or severe illness, and is a serious, life-threatening condition.

Despite the complexities, the manner of death was ruled natural.

The autopsy found no signs of trauma beyond those associated with medical interventions like CPR.

The report paints a picture of a woman struggling with chronic health issues compounded by an acute medical emergency that overwhelmed her system.

Lisa Marie Presley’s passing is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those living with chronic illness and the unforeseen complications that can arise.

Her life, marked by both public scrutiny and personal struggles, ended quietly in a hospital room—a stark contrast to the fame and glamour that surrounded her.