WARRINGTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Police crime scene tape cordons off the scene where 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was found with multiple stab wounds on a path at Linear Park in Culcheth on Saturday on February 13, 2023 in Warrington, England. Two local teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of her murder. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The family of model Nichole Coats is finally receiving some answers about what caused her death last month.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reportedly determined Coats’ death was an “accident” resulting from combined drug and alcohol use. Dr. Lawrence Nguyen’s report cites “cocaine and ethanol toxicity.” The report also lists the case status as open.
For context, the 32-year-old’s body was recovered in her apartment on Sept. 10 amid an alleged bloody scene. E! News reports that Coats’ father and aunt, May Stevens, found Nichole after being unable to reach her for a few days.
The model’s family told KTLA last month that Nichole’s bed was “covered in blood,” as previously reported by The Shade Room. The outlet reiterated this claim in a recent report about the medical examiner’s ruling.
Nichole’s aunt, May, also previously described her niece’s state when they found her.
“I couldn’t recognize her. I believe it was murder, I really do. One of her legs was up in the air in a kicking position. That’s not somebody who just laid in their bed and died,” May said.
While waiting for answers from investigators last month, Nichole’s mother also spoke to KTLA.
“This is senseless, and I want some answers because my daughter is gone,” Sharon Coats said. “And it’s not fair. I want everybody to find out who did this to her. She shouldn’t be gone.”
The family’s thoughts on this new development in the case don’t appear to be public knowledge at this time.
Two days after Nikki’s family discovered her body, model Maleesa Mooney was also found deceased in her apartment. Nichole and Maleesa’s cases drew public speculation given their close living proximity and similar professions.
However, E! News reports that local police determined, as of last month, that the cases are not linked. Their statement on Sept. 20 reportedly said there was “no evidence to suggest that the deaths of Ms. Coats and Ms. Mooney are related to one another.”
According to the medical examiner, cause A of Mooney’s death is now listed as “homicidal violence,” per Fox LA. Cause D on the report states “other significant conditions.”
There are no updates about any arrests in the Sept.12 discovery. Maleesa’s sister, Jourdin Pauline, reportedly revealed the model was two months pregnant at the time of her death.
