‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ actress Amanda Peterson died from accidental overdose
LOS ANGELES — Amanda Peterson, best known for her role in the 1987 film "Can't Buy Me Love" opposite Patrick Dempsey, died from an accidental overdose of a deadly combination of multiple drugs, including morphine, according to autopsy and toxicology reports obtained by Variety.
The "morphine effect" caused respiratory failure, leading to her death.
The retired actress's body was discovered in her Colorado apartment on July 5, two days after her death. She was 43.
According to the Weld County Coroner in Colorado, Peterson had a variety of prescription drugs in her system, including anti-anxiety medication, anti-psychotic medication, opiates and marijuana. One of the pain meds in her body was at six times the appropriate level.
The '80s star had a long history of substance abuse. She was allegedly arrested four times over the last 20 years in her hometown of Greeley, Colo. -- most recently, she was booked in May 2012 on a DUI and drug paraphernalia charge.
