PHOENIX – Carol Anne Gotbaum accidentally strangled herself while acutely intoxicated with alcohol and prescription drugs, an autopsy found yesterday.
Phoenix police said the findings backed their conclusion that cops “acted appropriately” when they handcuffed and shackled Gotbaum after arresting her at Sky Harbor International Airport on Sept. 28.
Police said Gotbaum, the daughter-in-law of Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, became irate when gate crews refused to allow her to board a connecting flight to a rehab center.
Gotbaum’s family has accused police of mistreating her, and they’re awaiting the results of their own private autopsy.
The long-awaited autopsy from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office said her death was “accidental” and due to “asphyxia by hanging.”
Police said this was consistent with their earlier report that Gotbaum, 45, strangled herself while trying to escape from an airport holding cell.
The autopsy said both alcohol and antidepressant drugs were in her system and were a “contributing factor” in her death.
It cited traces of six prescription drugs in her system, including at least two antidepressants. There were about 35 bruises on her body, including on the neck, arms, legs, knees and elbows.
Gotbaum family lawyer Michael Manning said of the findings: “She didn’t die because she was drinking. That’s quite obvious.”
“The report confirms for the family that Carol Anne died as a result of being taken to a holding cell, shackled and being ignored by Phoenix police until it was to late to help her.”
He said the family wants an apology and has not decided whether to seek monetary damages.