Autopsy Shows Allen Died Because of Cardiac Arrest

An autopsy has revealed that George Allen died of cardiac arrest, his attorney, Carl A. (Tony) Capozzola, said Wednesday.

The autopsy was performed by a private Los Angeles pathologist the Allen family declined to identify.

Capozzola also said that Allen had been found to have an irregular heart beat three weeks ago, which the pathologist said caused Allen’s fatal heart spasm. Allen, 72, died Monday after collapsing at his Palos Verdes Estates home.

Shortly before his death, the Cal State Long Beach football coach had complained to friends about a cold he said he got because he didn’t wear a jacket Saturday while watching the Iowa football team practice for Tuesday’s Rose Bowl game.

Long Beach officials said Allen, who prided himself on being physically fit, had not felt well since he was drenched with ice water by one of his players after the 49ers’ season-ending victory over Nevada Las Vegas on Nov. 17.

But Capozzola said that could not be linked to Allen’s death.

“The pathologist has informed the family that the dousing with the water did not have any direct part in causing the death of George Allen,” the attorney said.

A public memorial service for Allen will be at 2:05 p.m. Friday at Rolling Hills Covenant Church, 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North.

The service will start at 2:05 because NFL games began at five minutes after the hour when Allen was an NFL coach, said Allen’s son, Bruce.

Private services and burial are planned for earlier on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the Allen family requests that donations be sent to the George R. Allen Endowment Fund, care of Greg Allen, 420 Malaga Lane, Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. 90274.

The fund was established to provide contributions to charities that George Allen supported.