The autopsy for Michelle Rounds, the ex-wife of Rosie O’Donnell, has been completed, according to multiple media reports.
What have we learned about her tragic passing?
A spokesperson for the Orange County (Fla.) Medical Examiner’s office tells ET that the cause of the 46-year-old’s passing is pending.
“At this point, the doctor has pended the case,” the spokesperson explained of Michelle Rounds’ death Friday of last week.
“There was no trauma to the body, but the doctor wanted to [conduct] further laboratory tests before she made a decision.”
“Talking about any case, we do toxicology testing on almost every decedent that comes through our office,” the spokesperson added.
The ME’s office said this isn’t cause for suspicion, but “one of those things that when the doctor pends it usually means they are looking at.”
“Was it natural causes, or was it an accidental death or a suicide depending on the results of the testing.”
Rounds died unexpectedly at home last week.
“I am saddened to hear about this terrible tragedy,” O’Donnell said. “Mental illness is a very serious issue affecting many families.”
A shocked Rosie added in her statement, “my thoughts and prayers go out to Michelle’s family, her wife Krista, and their child.”
The former spouses, who broke up in 2014 after a tumultuous relationship, share a four-year-old daughter together, Dakota.
Michelle was open about her battle with mental illness, and while her cause of death is pending, it likely proved fatal in some way.
After meeting at an industry event in 2011, she married O’Donnell the following year, beginning an incredibly turbulent marriage.
That isn’t to say there weren’t bright spots O’Donnell and Rounds’ daughter was born in 2013, which she called the best part of her life.
Sadly, the couple split in 2015 after months of serious fighting; Rounds attempted suicide soon after by overdosing on prescription painkillers.
With the passage of time, O’Donnell and Rounds reportedly worked out an amicable co-parenting relationship after their divorce.
While Rounds moved on to a new and relationship free of drama and tabloid scrutiny, it seems she was never able to escape her demons.
Michelle’s mother also released a statement last week that seems to have implicitly verified that Rounds had taken her own life:
“If anyone would like to give to the National Suicide Prevention it would also be greatly appreciated,” wrote Michelle’s mother.
“There are so many out there in this world that have demons that they think suicide is the only way out,” Rounds’ mother added.
In a bit of tragic irony, her death comes during Suicide Prevention Month, and on the heels of other notable celebrity suicides.
The steadily-worsening epidemic, and least in celebrity circles, dates back to Robin Williams’ unexpected passing in 2014.
Recent victims such as rock greats Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington have brought renewed attention to the issue.
If you or anyone you know is battling thoughts of self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Please don’t delay.
