Names In The News : Barbiturates Found in Onassis Body
Traces of barbiturates were found in samples taken from the body of shipping heiress Christina Onassis, who died here Nov. 19 at age 37, an Argentine judge said today.
Forensic tests showed the presence of the drug optalidon although it had not yet been determined in what quantities, Federal Judge Daniel Piotti told a reporter. Medical sources said optalidon is a sedative that could be fatal if taken in large doses. The cause of Onassis’ death was given as pulmonary edema, or excessive fluid in the lungs. Piotti said forensic scientists were still analyzing 41 different kinds of pills and other medications belonging to Onassis.
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