NEW YORK—(ENEWSPF)—September 4, 2014. Comedian Joan Rivers died today at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York surrounded by family and close friends. She was 81.
Rivers had been hospitalized on life support since August 28 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a routine procedure at her doctor’s office. The New York state health department is currently investigating the circumstance.
Her daughter, Melissa, released the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother.
Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated.
My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”
The funeral for Rivers will be at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan on Sunday, according to temple spokeswoman Elizabeth Fezrine. Details, including the time and if the public will be allowed to attend, are not yet known, she said.