NPR: Report: Donda West's Death Not Caused By Surgery

Report: Donda West's Death Not Caused By Surgery

Rapper Kanye West and his mother, Donda West, attend the launch of the Kanye West Foundation.

Roberto Schmidt, AFP/Getty Images

Donda West, mother of hip-hop star Kanye, did not die of "surgical or anesthetic misadventure" according to a coroner's report.

The report could not find the exact cause of the death of West, 58, on November 10 -- one day after she had a tummy tuck, breast reduction, and liposuction -- but it noted that pre-existing coronary artery disease could have been a contributing factor.

The report ends the series of strange events surrounding West's death. Earlier, the coroner's office originally suggested that West died from surgical complications. Her surgeon, Dr. Jan Adams, denied any wrongdoing. The California state medical board threatened to revoke Adams' medical license due to two previous alcohol-related arrests.

Adams also made a dramatic exit from an interview with CNN's Larry King in November.

How has West's death highlighted the dangers of plastic surgery? Should Dr. Jan Adams still bear some responsibility for her death?

Drew Tewksbury

Tags: Donda West | Kanye Kest | hip hop | plastic surgery

7:06 PM ET | 01-10-2008 | permalink

comments | | e-mail

Comments

View all comments »

Add a Comment

Please note that all comments must adhere to the NPR.org discussion rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.

Given the results of the autopsy I don't blame the plastic surgeon for what happened to Ms. West. I am sure she signed documents that explained the risk of the procedure especially if you have a pre-existing condition. I think what happened to her is extremely sad and unfortunate. There is a lesson here for all of us and that is to educate ourselves about the dangers of elective surgery, to understand that with surgery there is always risk and to treat our bodies as temples; with love, respect and care.

Sent by Stephanie M. White | 6:46 AM ET | 01-11-2008

The sad truth is that after Dr. West passing, it has little or no effect on the amount of plastic surgeries still done in this country. Every year, the amount of plastic surgeries increase drastically even with women of color. I live in a region that accounts for the third-leading plastic surgeries done in the country. There have been a few tragic stories reported in past years, but do you think that stops folks even to the tune of teenagers getting them as high school graduation gifts?

Now to Jan Adams, due to Doctor/Patient confidentiality, I understand he can't say much. But I would really want to know why he'll take on such surgeries while other doctors refused due to the pre-existing condition.

Sent by Moji | 4:09 PM ET | 01-11-2008

I'm sorry for Ms. West and her family, however, the rush to judgement by the court of public opinion is equally tragic. The doctor is no saint but he should get what he deserves given evidence from a proper investigation not a witch hunt from the media. Emily Dickenson said "Be careful underneath the surgeons knife, lurks the the culprit life." The media needs to read this next time they do a hatchet job on someone!!

Sent by Hopkins | 6:33 PM ET | 01-11-2008

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

E-mail |
Print

OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS

About 'News & Views'

News & Views is the companion blog of NPR's news magazine show, News & Notes. It extends News & Notes' ongoing conversation about the diversity of the African-American experience. For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions guide and our Discussion Rules.