Erica Blasberg's Death Ruled Suicide; Golfer's Doctor Arrested

LAS VEGAS (CBS/KLAS/AP) Nearly eight weeks after professional golfer Erica Blasberg was found dead in her home, a Nevada coroner's office has ruled her death a suicide.

PICTURES: Erica Blasberg Death

Blasberg died May 9 at her home in Henderson, about 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The 25-year-old was found with a plastic bag secured over her head.

The Clark County coroner's office said Blasberg died of suicide due to asphyxia, coupled with the presence of toxic levels of prescription medication in her system, including prescription headache, cough, pain and anti-anxiety medications.

The drugs in Blasberg's system included butalbital, temazepam, alprazolam, codeine, hydrocodone, and tramadol, according to the coroner, but Nevada law doesn't permit the release of details on the amounts of medication.

The Henderson Police Department also announced it concluded an extensive investigation Tuesday and determined there was no foul play.

But Blasberg's family says they still want answers. Their focus is now turned to Dr. Thomas Hess, the man police say was with her the night before she died. An arrest warrant was issued for Hess Tuesday for obstruction of justice. He turned himself in, posted bail and was released.

Police say the doctor admitted taking a suicide note by Blasberg and prescription medication he gave her, and hiding the items in his car, reports CBS affiliate KLAS.

Police have said a 911 call from Hess summoning police came from the house, and that Blasberg was alone when officers arrived. Blasberg's agent said her bags were packed for a tournament in Mobile, Ala., when she was found.

The death investigation was complicated, police said, because Hess admitted to altering the scene, and because he stopped cooperating with detectives.

Blasberg's father, Mel, wants Hess to give the family the facts of what happened.

"Step up and give us the answers. It's not going to change what the medical board says. It's not going to change his civil liabilities, but it will make a difference to us," he said, according to KLAS

The family's attorney says there's a lot to process emotionally. He says there are a limited set of known facts in this case, some they may never know, but others they have to dig for. Once they find out those details, the family's attorney says he'll evaluate those in light of Nevada law and possibly seek legal action.

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