With Uggie stealing hearts in “The Artist,” snagging the spotlight at celebrity events and reportedly preparing for a sketch with Oscar host Billy Crystal, Hollywood really has gone to the dogs this year.LOS ANGELES – Socialite Casey Johnson’s death was related to her nearly lifelong diabetes, the Los Angeles County coroner said Thursday.
Johnson, 30, an heir to the Johnson & Johnson health care products fortune, died of diabetic ketoacidosis, the coroner said in a news release. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition caused by lack of insulin and sky-high blood sugar.
An autopsy was conducted Jan. 5, a day after Johnson’s body was found at her home. The coroner’s statement said the autopsy report would be available within two weeks.
The daughter of New York Jets owner Robert "Woody" Johnson, Johnson in December announced her engagement to reality TV star Tila Tequila.
Her body was flown east for a private funeral.
Johnson had been an insulin-dependent diabetic since childhood. A memorial fund in her name was set up with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Her father is chairman of that organization and co-author of the book, "Managing Your Child’s Diabetes."
Casey Johnson lived in a quiet neighborhood behind big wooden gates marked "Grumblenot," but she often partied with high school friend and fellow heiress Paris Hilton.
Johnson is survived by her parents, two younger sisters and an adopted child she named Ava-Monroe, after her idol, Marilyn Monroe.
A message left for a family spokesman was not immediately returned.
