Amanda Peterson, fondly remembered for her unforgettable roles during the 80s, recently met a tragic end at the age of 43 due to an accidental morphine overdose. Here’s a deeper dive into the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Who was Amanda Peterson?
Amanda Peterson made an impactful debut into cinematic history as a dancer in John Huston’s 1982 adaptation of Annie. Subsequently, she shared screen space with notable actors such as Ethan Hawke in “Explorers.” But it was her role opposite Patrick Dempsey in 1987 romantic comedy “Can’t Buy Me Love” where her fame truly was cemented among Gen X audiences. Her portrayal of the sweet, seemingly unattainable high school queen won her countless fans.
What led to Amanda Peterson’s death?
While Amanda’s demise came as a shock to many, the Weld County Coroner’s report, as published in The Greeley Tribune, unveiled the grim details. According to the report, Amanda consumed a friend’s morphine medication in an attempt to alleviate her pain. Coupled with her pre-existing heart and lung diseases, the morphine overdose resulted in respiratory failure, leading to her tragic death.
The coroner’s report also highlighted that Amanda had various prescriptions for heart and lung disease. Moreover, she had a prescription for Gabapentin, a medication primarily used to treat nerve pain. The toxicology findings pointed out that the Gabapentin levels in Amanda’s bloodstream were alarmingly high – six times more than therapeutic levels. However, both the coroner and forensic pathologist agreed that the primary cause of death was the morphine overdose.
Was Amanda Peterson known to use opioids?
Weld County Coroner Mark Ward clarified that there were no recent morphine prescriptions found in Amanda’s medical history. This points towards the possibility that she wasn’t a habitual user of the drug. Ward emphasized, “The amount of morphine she ingested coupled with her heart and lung disease resulted in a fatal event.” It is a grim reminder of the dangers of using medication not prescribed specifically for an individual.
Were there any other substances found in her system?
The toxicological analysis also revealed traces of marijuana in Amanda’s system. Marijuana is legal in Colorado, so while its presence may not have directly contributed to her untimely demise, it does provide insight into what occurred before it.
How will Amanda Peterson be remembered?
While the tragic circumstances surrounding her death are heartbreaking, it’s essential to remember Amanda Peterson for the joy she brought to countless viewers through her performances. Her work in “Can’t Buy Me Love” resonates with many, as she portrayed the complexities of high school life with grace and charm. In addition to her cinematic achievements, her appearances in television shows, such as “Silver Spoons” with Ricky Schroder, showcased her versatility as an actress.
The untimely death of Amanda Peterson is a sobering reminder of the unforeseen dangers of drug misuse. As her fans mourn, it’s vital to celebrate her legacy and the remarkable talent she brought to the world of entertainment.
