Mama Cass and Her Ham Sandwich

"Mama" Cass Elliot's death has been reported over the years as having been caused by "choking on a sandwich while in bed and from inhaling her own vomit." The true cause of death, a heart attack, was not determined until an autopsy was performed a week later, but by that time it was too late. Another of rock's urban legends was born.

At 5'5" and 238 lbs., Mama Cass was twice the normal weight for a woman her age and height. The effects of long-term obesity, drug abuse and crash diets had weakened her heart to the point of failure. Because she was a large woman, and there was a sandwich on the nightstand when her body was found, an irreversible connection was made. That it was a ham sandwich (an obvious commentary on her weight) was added after the fact. However, no traces of food were found blocking her trachea, and there was never any indication that food played a role in her death.