Cocaine zimemuua Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston akiwa na mumewe, Bobby Brown

WHITNEY Houston's death was triggered by cocaine, a coroner's report revealed last night.

An autopsy on the singer, 48, found the cause of death was drowning due to heart disease and cocaine use.

The Los Angeles coroner revealed the superstar singer, 48, took a line "immediately" before she drowned in a Beverly Hills hotel bathtub last month.

Toxicology results indicated "chronic use" of cocaine over time had contributed to the heart disease. It is believed the Bodyguard star suffered a heart attack before slipping under the water and drowning.

Relatives were said to be devastated at hearing cocaine was to blame.

Whitney's family said in a statement: "We are saddened to learn of the toxicology results, although we are glad to now have closure."

Her mum Cissy, 79, and daughter Bobbi Kristina, 19, have been struggling to cope since the tragedy.

Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey confirmed Whitney appeared to have used cocaine "in the time period immediately prior to her collapse in the bathtub".

A report from the coroner's office stated: "How injury occurred: Found submerged in a bathtub filled with water; cocaine intake."

It said Whitney also had marijuana, Benadryl, Xanax and other medication in her system, but those drugs were NOT a factor.

Investigators had said they found no evidence of illegal drugs at the scene, although officials confirmed prescription pill bottles were found.

Reports in the US claimed last night that all traces of cocaine were removed from the room before authorities arrived. It is now possible cops could probe the alleged tampering of evidence.

The coroner's report said her death was an accident, and added: "No trauma or foul play is suspected."

The coroner's office said results indicated Whitney also suffered from heart disease that caused 60 per cent narrowing of her arteries.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said the condition is common in cocaine users.

He said: "It just beats up their heart and they will have a heart attack."

A final, more detailed, coroner's report will be released in two weeks.

Whitney battled addiction to crack cocaine at the height of her fame. Some blamed her stormy 14-year marriage to Bobby Brown.