Autopsy Determines Airport Death was Accidental

Phoenix, Arizona (AHN) - The cause of death for a woman in police custody at the Phoenix airport in September has been determined by the Maricopa County medical examiner as "asphyxia by hanging." The report released Friday said a combination of prescription drugs and alcohol contributed to the woman accidentally strangling herself.

In a statement, police said the medical examiner's report supported their claim that "officers acted appropriately and there was no misconduct during this tragic incident."

Carol Anne Gotbaum, 45, was on her way to check into an alcohol rehabilitation center in Tucson on September 28 when she was arrested by police for disorderly conduct.

Gotbaum became irate when airport personnel refused to let her board. Surveillance video showed her yelling and running through an airport terminal. She was then detained in a holding cell until police found her dead, with the chains of her shackles allegedly around her neck.

According to the autopsy report, Gotbaum had 35 bruises and scrapes, including "chain impressions" around the neck. However, Gotbaum's family has hired a pathologist to conduct a private autopsy.

Gotbaum was the mother of three and belongs to a prominent New York family. Her husband, who called the airport three times to inform authorities of her depression on the day of her death, has accused police of inhumane treatment.