Bob Saget autopsy report published, indicates skull fracture and major head trauma – National

Florida’s medical examiner said that comedian Bob Saget had died of an accidental blow to his head. It was likely caused by a backwards slip.

Saget was found in a Florida hotel bedroom and killed on January 9. He’d performed in the area the night before as part of a stand-up tour.

A toxicology analysis didn’t show any illicit drugs or toxins in Saget’s body, according to a statement from Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany in Orlando.

A Thursday autopsy report revealed that Saget suffered from an abrasion to his scalp, a fracture in the base of the skull, and fractures around the eye sockets. He also had bleeding between his brain and tissue surrounding it. There were also bruises to his brain.

The report also stated that Saget was positive for COVID-19 and had no inflammation in the respiratory system.

“His injuries were most likely incurred from an unwitnessed fall,” the statement said. “The manner of death is accident.”

The medical examiner’s conclusion was first announced by Saget’s family on Wednesday.

“The authorities have determined that Bob passed from head trauma,” their statement said. “They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep. No drugs or alcohol were involved.”

According to the report, he was on prescription drug Clonazepam for treating anxiety, panic disorders, seizures and other conditions.

According to the report, Saget also had cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart), and showed aortic atherosclerosis (plaque build-up inside the wall of the aorta) and coronary artery atherosclerosis (damage/disease in the heart’s major blood vessels).

“The head hits something hard and the skull fractures in different places including the orbits (the part of the skull around the eyes) and that causes bleeding which compresses the brain,” said Dr. Roshini Raj, an Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, to People. “The force of the hit on the head can also directly bruise and damage the brain.”

“This report shows that the [skull and] brain suffered trauma which led to skull fractures, bruising of the brain and actual bleeding in the space around the brain,” said the doctor. “This blood can compress the brain and cause death. The coroner determined that this trauma was most likely caused by an accidental fall backward.”

The entertainer aged 65 was found dead in his Orlando hotel bed at Ritz Carlton. After Saget had failed to check out, a hotel security officer entered the bedroom and dialled 911. Authorities said that there were no signs of foul play last month.

He is best known for his role on the sitcom as Danny Tanner, a beloved single dad. Full HouseAnd as the wisecracking host America’s Funniest Home VideosSaget was married Kelly Rizzo Saget. She had three daughters from an earlier marriage.

Saget was on the road as part of his “I Don’t Do Negative Comedy Tour,” and said just before his death that he enjoyed warm audience receptions in Orlando and the Ponte Vedra Beach resort area.

“I’m back in comedy like I was when I was 26. I guess I’m finding my new voice and loving every moment of it,” he’d posted on Instagram.

Saget’s death prompted an outpouring of affection from fans and colleagues, who recalled him as both funny and extraordinarily kind. His family said they were overwhelmed and comforted by “the incredible outpouring of love from Bob’s fans.”

“As we continue to mourn together, we ask everyone to remember the love and laughter that Bob brought to this world, and the lessons he taught us all: to be kind to everyone, to let the people you love know you love them, and to face difficult times with hugs and laughter,” his family said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department told People “the case is still open,” and it plans to continue investigating Saget’s death. They didn’t elaborate further on what they’re investigating.

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— With files from Global News’ Chris Jancelewicz