The family of Brittany Murphy is asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourn the sudden passing of the 32-year-old actress. Murphy was pronounced dead at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles Sunday after paramedics rushed her to the hospital following a 911 call. In a statement, Murphy's family said, quote, "In this time of sadness, the family thanks you for your love and support. It is their wish that you respect their privacy." TMZ.com was the first to report Murphy's death saying the actress had died of apparent cardiac arrest. Los Angeles authorities say Murphy died of natural causes. An autopsy is planned.TMZ quotes sources who say it was Murphy's mother Sharon who discovered the actress unconscious in the shower on Sunday morning. The actress was married to British screenwriter Simon Monjack at the time of her death.
Brittany Murphy rose to fame playing the role of Tai in the 1995 hit film "Clueless." Her other film credits include "Girl, Interrupted," "Riding In Cars With Boys," "8 Mile," "Uptown Girls," "Just Married," "Little Black Book" and "Sin City."
