LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas entertainer Danny Gans' death was accidental, caused by a prescription painkiller, a coroner said Tuesday.
Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy said an autopsy, toxicology and microscopic samples showed the 52-year-old Gans died from toxic levels of hydromorphone. The opiate drug is used to treat chronic pain, which Gans suffered from, Murphy said.
Murphy said Gans had heart disease caused by high blood pressure — which makes the heart work overtime and left him more susceptible to heart irregularities. Gans also had a condition (polycythemia) that results in too many red blood cells, Murphy said.
"Mr. Gans' health conditions placed him at greater risk for heart irregularities, and the hydromorphone was a factor in exacerbating those risks," Murphy said.
Gans was found dead in bed at home in Henderson early May 1 after his wife, Julie, reported she couldn't rouse him.
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Upon Gans' death, his manager, Chip Lightman, described Gans as someone who watched his diet, loved to perform and relished his involvement in Las Vegas area fundraisers and philanthropic causes.
A May 21 memorial drew about 1,000 guests at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
On Tuesday, Lightman said: "Everyone knew he had two shoulder surgeries and excruciating back problems." He attributed Gans' pain to injuries dating to his years playing minor-league baseball.
