Dorothy Kilgallen

Dorothy Mae Kilgallen (July 3, 1913 - November 8, 1965) was an Irish-American actress, socialite, reporter and television presenter. She was born in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of James Kilgallen, a newspaperman.

The death of Dorothy Killgallen

On November 8, 1965, Dorothy was found dead in her New York City home at the age of 52. She had, apparently, succumbed to a fatal combination of alcohol and seconal, perhaps concurrent with a heart attack. It is not known whether it was a suicide or an accidental death, though the amount of barbituate in her system was small enough to suggest an accident.

Related Topics:
November 8 - 1965 - New York City - Alcohol - Seconal - Heart attack - Suicide - Death - Barbituate

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Because of her open criticism of the Warren Commission and other US government entities, and her association with Ruby, some people speculate that she was murdered by members of the alleged JFK conspiracy. There is no evidence of a break-in or a struggle in Kilgallen's bedroom. Kilgallen's husband, who was in the apartment, reported nothing unusual. Her autopsy does not suggest evidence of homicide, however her death certificate cites the cause of death as "undetermined".

Related Topics:
US government - Conspiracy - Autopsy - Evidence - Homicide - Death certificate

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Kilgallen had a history of anemia and substance abuse. She checked herself into rehabilitation clinics twice, and had more than once been intoxicated on live television.

Related Topics:
Anemia - Substance abuse

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At the time of her death, she had been married for 25 years and left behind 3 children. She is interred in the Cemetery of the Gate of Heaven in Hawthorne, New York.

Related Topics:
Cemetery of the Gate of Heaven - Hawthorne, New York

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It has been rumored that Kilgallen had a tumultous relationship with singer Johnnie Ray outside of her marriage.

Related Topics:
Singer - Johnnie Ray - Marriage

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