Mama Cass Did Not Die By Choking On a Ham Sandwich

Summary

Mama Cass Elliot's death was not caused by choking on a ham sandwich, contrary to popular belief; she actually died of heart failure due to obesity at the age of 32.

Abstract

Mama Cass Elliot, a prominent figure in the 1960s Laurel Canyon music scene and a member of the band The Mamas and the Papas, did not die from choking on a ham sandwich as urban legend suggests. The rumor likely started because a ham sandwich was found near her bed after her death. However, the official cause of death was heart failure induced by obesity. Despite her untimely death at 32, her legacy as a talented musician with a soulful voice is often overshadowed by the manner of her death. Her home in Laurel Canyon, previously owned by Natalie Wood, was a hub for many iconic musicians of the era and continues to be associated with her, with rumors of her spirit haunting the property.

Opinions

The article suggests that the focus on the sensationalized and incorrect details of Mama Cass's death detracts from her significant contributions to music.
It is implied that the rumors about her death were fueled by the presence of a ham sandwich near her body, despite no evidence of it being consumed.
The article emphasizes that Mama Cass was an integral part of the Laurel Canyon music community, hosting many famous musicians at her home.
The mention of her home's history and the rumors of it being haunted by Mama Cass add to the mystique surrounding her life and legacy.
There is an underlying sentiment that Mama Cass should be remembered for her musical talent and not for the unfounded rumors about her death.

Mama Cass Did Not Die By Choking On a Ham Sandwich

The true story of Mama Cass Elliot

For decades now, when anyone references Mama Cass Elliot, you will hear some joke about her death from choking on a ham sandwich. There is a pretty notable line in the movie Austin Powers when her death is referenced as well. When Austin is listing off his deceased friend/celebrities and how they died, he says, “Mama Cass — ham sandwich.”

The rumors are that she was bulimic, and while vomiting, she choked on her sandwich. Why did these rumors come into play in regards to Mama Cass’s death? Because there was a ham sandwich next to her bed. Here is the problem: She was young, only 32 years old at the time of her death, and upon initial observation of her body in bed, nothing appeared to be wrong. Assumptions were made initially that she must have choked on her sandwich, but later it was revealed, there hadn’t been one bite taken of the infamous sandwich.

photo from a newspaper

The official cause of Mama Cass Elliot’s death is obesity, which caused a heart attack/failure.

More is focused on Mama Cass’s death than on her work, which is unfortunate. She was a brilliant woman with a soulful voice who was royalty in the Laurel Canyon crew of the 1960s. The band the Mama’s and the Papa’s wouldn’t have been anything without her.

Cass purchased her Laurel Canyon home from Natalie Wood. It was a hangout for many wonderful musicians of the time, like David Crosby, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, and so many more. Her house was “The House” to be at on Woodrow Wilson Dr. The house has had quite a list of celebrity owners since her passing in 1974, from Dan Ackroyd to Beverly D’Angelo’s, the current owner.

Photo: RB/Redferns

It has been rumored for decades that Mama Cass Elliot still haunts the home of Laurel Canyon in which she lived for many years, even though it is not where she died.

Cass Elliot will always hold a place among music royalty, and hopefully, she will be remembered for her talent and not a ham sandwich.