The handling of the death of former reality TV star Anna Nicole Smith’s son has touched off a scandal in the image-conscious Bahamas, with an outspoken coroner reassigned and some worrying the media frenzy could damage the vital tourist industry.
The air of mystery began to lift this week, however, as judicial officials removed Virgill from the case, citing unspecified remarks she made to the media. Authorities said tests could show Smith died of natural causes – meaning no inquest would be needed.
But with the cause of death still unknown pending toxicology tests, it remained to be seen whether Virgill’s suspicions were unwarranted or officials were simply putting a better face on the investigation.
Two autopsies have ruled out homicide or suicide, but Ferguson said police were still investigating in part because the case was under such close media scrutiny.
Fears of missteps in the investigation have led some to worry aloud about the islands’ image overseas, and to comparisons with the much-criticized investigation into the disappearance of American teen Natalee Holloway in Aruba. Authorities there have arrested nine people in her disappearance and released all of them for lack of evidence.
Some islanders disagree, saying Anna Nicole Smith’s decision to choose the Bahamas when looking for privacy during her pregnancy will only boost the island chain’s image.
Others say the government has tarnished its reputation at home by devoting too many resources to the 38-year-old American celebrity.
Virgill could not be reached for comment.
A death certificate has been issued for Daniel with the cause listed as pending – a move that officials say is not unusual – and Scott said Anna Nicole is considering a Bahamas burial for her son.
A private pathologist hired by the family, Cyril Wecht, has said Smith was taking a low dose of the antidepressant Lexapro and suggested he could have died accidentally from a lethal combination of drugs.
But Wecht said it could take weeks for toxicology results to provide definitive answers.
Daniel Smith, who appeared several times on the E! reality series “The Anna Nicole Show,” was the son of Anna Nicole and Bill Smith, who married in 1985 and divorced two years later.
Smith’s camp has been silent on the identity of the newborn girl’s father.
Anna Nicole married Texas oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994, when she was 26 and he was 89. He died the following year and she has since been involved in legal disputes over the estate.
By MICHAEL MELIA, Associated Press Writer
