Coroner Releases Cause of Death for Carol Gotbaum

New York, NY —

An autopsy shows that New Yorker Carol Anne Gotbaum, who died in police custody at a Phoenix airport, accidentally strangled herself. The report by an Arizona medical examiner says Gotbaum was intoxicated on alcohol and prescription antidepressants, and that her condition contributed to her death.

Gotbaum's family, which includes New York City Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum -- have accused police of mistreating her. They've ordered an independent autopsy. Gotbaum was travelling to a Tuscon rehab, and became irate in a Phoenix airport after missing a connecting flight. She was arrested, and placed in a holding room, where she was later found strangled by her handcuffs.