Whitney Houston autopsy to be performed in the next 24 hours

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Los Angeles County coroner's office said Sunday, Feb 12, it is now in possession of Whitney Houston's body and that an autopsy should be performed in the next 24 hours, Los Angeles Times reported.

Houston was found dead in a room at the Beverly Hilton hotel hours before she was set to attend a pre-Grammys gala. Authorities said they don't know how Houston, 48, died, but they said foul play does not appear to be involved.

"There were no obvious signs of criminal intent," Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said. Both the L.A. County coroner's office and the Beverly Hills Police Department are investigating her death.

Paramedics performed CPR for about 20 minutes before the pop star was declared dead.

The Beverly Hills Fire Department said it was called to the hotel about 3:30 p.m. and Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.

Houston's death cast a shadow over the Grammy Awards, which take place Sunday evening, and brought tributes to the singer from around the world.