Naomi Judd Autopsy Confirms Country Singer’s Cause of Death

Naomi Judd Autopsy Confirms Country Singer’s Cause of Death
Naomi Judd performs at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn., on June 13, 2009. Josh Anderson/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—An autopsy report in the death of country singer Naomi Judd that was obtained Friday by The Associated Press confirmed what family members have already said about how she died. Judd, 76, killed herself with a gun on April 30 at her home in Tennessee.

“We have always shared openly both the joys of being family as well its sorrows, too. One part of our story is that our matriarch was dogged by an unfair foe,” a statement from the family released on Friday read. “She was treated for PTSD and bipolar disorder, to which millions of Americans can relate.”

The autopsy, which is considered a public record in Tennessee, showed several prescription drugs in Judd’s system that are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.

Naomi and her daughter Wynonna Judd scored 14 No. 1 songs in a career that spanned nearly three decades. Naomi Judd died the day before she and Wynonna were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The family has asked for privacy as they mourn and encouraged anyone in a similar crisis to seek help. The national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Ashley (L), Naomi (C), and Wynonna Judd (R) at the premiere and after-party for "Lilo & Stitch" at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on June 16, 2002. (Kevin Winter/ImageDirect)
Ashley (L), Naomi (C), and Wynonna Judd (R) at the premiere and after-party for "Lilo & Stitch" at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on June 16, 2002. Kevin Winter/ImageDirect