Simon Monjack Dead

The late Brittany Murphy's husband, Simon Monjack, was found dead May 23, 2010 by Brittany Murphy's mother, Sharon Murphy. Sharon lived with Brittany and Simon prior to Brittany's death, and after she passed Simon insisted they would stay under the same roof. Sharon called emergency services, and the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the call. Simon Monjack was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to TMZ, police have said that there are two possible causes of death: natural or accidental drug overdose.

Monjack hasn't been in the best health, suffering a heart attack last November. He had stopped breathing as he was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles after having problems breathing aboard the plane, but paramedics managed to resuscitate him. The death of his wife, Brittany, was shocking and devastating to Monjack as well, putting additional stress on him.

After she died, Monjack avoided the press, although the family did release a statement. "The sudden loss of our beloved Brittany is a terrible tragedy. She was our daughter, our wife, our love and a shining star. We ask you to respect our privacy at this time."

Monjack was a British screenwriter who got his start directing commercials. He went on to earn a bit credit for his part in the screenplay "Factory Girl", and was the writer, director and producer of a British indie called, "Two Days, Nine Lives."

Monjack and Murphy often defended their marriage against critics. They were accused of marrying so Monjack wouldn't get deported and for financial reasons for Monjack. Others compared the appearances of the two and commented on Murphy marrying someone less attractive. However, the two insisted they were truly in love, and appeared happy throughout their marriage.

Sadly, Monjack's death is extremely similar in circumstances to Brittany's. Sharon found Brittany unresponsive, just as she found Simon. TMZ also reports that several bottles of pills were on Simon's nightstand, just as several pill bottles were found in Brittany's bathroom. There are also several pills that appear to have been taken from Simon's stash, just as there were from Brittany's.

For now, it appears that the death was completely accidental, and not a suicide stemming from the death of his wife, Brittany Murphy. This is also a similarity, considering Brittany's autopsy showed that the actress died of natural causes, despite speculation she was a drug user.

NY Daily News: Who is Simon Monjack
TMZ: Simon Monjack found Dead