UPDATE:
It seems that the death of Joan Rivers could have been avoided, should the doctors where she had her throat procedure have been more careful with the steps they took.
According to TMZ, "A doctor performed an outpatient procedure on Joan Rivers that should ONLY have been performed in a hospital ... and that's what led to her death ... according to a new report.
During Rivers' planned endoscopy ... doctors discovered something on her vocal cords and her doctor decided he would biopsy it ... this according to the NY Daily News.
During the biopsy Rivers' vocal cords reportedly seized -- slammed shut -- cutting off her air supply. Sources tell TMZ while they were trying to resuscitate her, her heart stopped.
Medical experts told the Daily News ... the biopsy was too risky for outpatient surgery and should have been performed in a hospital."
It was previously reported that The Comedian passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital where she was being taken cared of. She was 81 years old.
Joan's daughter, Melissa Rivers, has released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother."
She further said, "Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated. My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."
The comedy legend's funeral will take place at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan.
"It is a terribly sad day for all of us," said Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson. "We mourn with her family, friends and all those millions to whom she brought laughter and joy."
Joan's death follows her previously reported complications while undergoing a throat surgery in New York City on August 28.
