Brittany Murphy’s Last Film, Abandoned, Picked Up by Anchor Bay Entertainment

Abandoned, the last film made by actress Brittany Murphy before she died in December after suffering cardiac arrest caused by pneumonia, anemia and multiple drug intoxication, has been picked up for North American distribution and is scheduled to arrive in theaters this summer.

Anchor Bay Entertainment has bought the film and President Bill Clark stated that it was an honor, but also bittersweet to be able to release Murphy’s last film, which finished filming in June of last year. Anchor Bay Entertainment has released a statement, saying:

“It was important to Anchor Bay that the timing of this release be right, because we’re sensitive to such a tragic loss. However, we also recognize that Brittany’s fans will want to see her amazing work.”

The producers of the psychological thriller, Jeffrey Schenck and Barry Barnholtz have released a joint statement, saying:

“Brittany will be deeply missed by everyone who worked on Abandoned. The film is a taut thriller which portrays Brittany’s character as smart and tough – and that’s how we all want to remember her.”

If you’re interested in the film, Murphy plays Mary Walsh who takes her boyfriend to the hospital for a routine outpatient surgery but he vanishes with no record of him left behind. Soon, however, Walsh receives a random demand. The film co-stars Dean Cain and Mimi Rogers.

Will you be going to see Abandoned this summer?

Brittany Murphy’s Cause of Death Released

The death of Brittany Murphy came as a tremendous shock to us all. She died of cardiac arrest, but what caused that has been a mystery. Many speculated what played a part in her death–from her husband, Simon Monjack, who had released statements that he did not want an autopsy performed on Murphy and made us all speculate a lot more, to drugs, to the flu, to H1N1, and so on. Finally, the cause of Brittany Murphy’s death has been released.

The official report states that it was an accidental death caused by “community acquired pneumonia,” iron deficiency anemia and multiple drug intoxication. The L.A. County Coroner concludes that “injury occurred” because of drug intake.

This is incredibly sad, because Brittany Murphy did not have to die. This story is still developing, but we can, at least, stop speculating on what exactly caused the death in this incredibly young woman. Also, keep in mind that “multiple drug intoxication” and “drug intake” does not necessarily mean illegal substances. As we have seen so many times throughout the years, it is the prescription drugs that are just as lethal as illegal substances.

Our thoughts continue to go out to Brittany Murphy’s family.

Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac Dies of Pneumonia

It has been confirmed and reported by TMZ, CNN and MSNBC that actor and comedian Bernie Mac passed away yesterday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago due to complications with pneumonia.

Mac, who also had inflammatory lung disease and was hospitalized for pneumonia earlier this month, was said to be responding well to treatments and in stable condition just the day before he passed away.

Rest in peace.