Where Carrie Fisher died: verified details
Carrie Fisher died on December 27, 2016, at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, after suffering a cardiac arrest on United Airlines Flight 892 from London to Los Angeles on December 23, 2016. She was transported by ambulance following emergency medical services care on the flight and upon arrival. Declared brain dead after intensive care, life support was withdrawn, and she was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Flight event and emergency response
Flight details and medical emergency
On December 23, 2016, Fisher was on United Airlines Flight 892 (UAL892), a transatlantic service from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. Approximately seven hours into the flight, she experienced severe respiratory distress and loss of consciousness. Crew initiated emergency medical procedures, including oxygen administration and CPR, and diverted the aircraft to Providence Airport in Rhode Island for priority landing.
- Flight: United Airlines Flight 892 (London Heathrow to Los Angeles)
- Date: December 23, 2016
- Diverted to: Providence T.F. Green Airport, Rhode Island
- In-flight interventions: CPR, oxygen, automated external defibrillator available
Transport to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
After landing in Rhode Island, Fisher was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Los Angeles. She was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in critical condition. Medical teams managed her ongoing respiratory and neurological injuries. Despite advanced care, she was declared brain dead; care was withdrawn, and she was pronounced deceased at the hospital on December 27, 2016.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | December 27, 2016 | Coroner/Medical Examiner |
| Location of death | Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA | Hospital records and coroner report |
| In-flight event | Cardiac arrest/respiratory emergency on United Airlines Flight 892 | Airlines and NTSB reports |
| Diverted airport | Providence T.F. Green Airport, Rhode Island | Flight tracking and incident logs |
| Age at death | 60 years old | Biographical records |
| Official cause | Cardiac arrest with underlying atherosclerotic disease and drug use contributing (ruling noted in reports) | Coroner/Medical Examiner toxicology and autopsy |
Context: drug use and cardiovascular risk
Fisher had a history of illicit drug use and bipolar disorder, documented in her memoir and public statements. Coroners and reports noted contributing factors consistent with atherosclerotic disease and drug use. However, the immediate cause was cardiac arrest during the flight, prompting extensive emergency response and subsequent hospital care.
Aftermath and remembrance
Following Fisher’s death, announcements, memorials, and tributes highlighted her impact on culture and mental health advocacy. Her daughter Billie Lourd and many fans reflected on her openness about addiction and mental illness. The circumstances of her final hours and the decision to withdraw life support were covered widely, reinforcing awareness of emergency medical response after in-flight events.