Thu May 15 05:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Joan Rivers, the iconic comedian, died on September 4, 2014, at the age of 81, a week after undergoing a minor vocal cord procedure. Complications arose during the surgery at the Yorkville Endoscopy Center in New York City, leading to a lack of oxygen and ultimately brain damage. A New York State Department of Health report cited medical mismanagement by the clinic’s staff and Dr. Gwen Korovin as contributing factors. Melissa Rivers, Joan’s daughter, filed a lawsuit against the clinic, alleging unauthorized procedures and neglect. The suit was settled in 2016. Rivers is remembered for her groundbreaking comedy, advocacy, and the legacy she left through her grandson, Cooper. A May 13 NBC special, “Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All Star Tribute,” is planned, with comedians posing with her ashes in tribute.

**News Article:**

**Joan Rivers’ Death Remembered Ahead of Tribute Special: Investigation Reveals Medical Mismanagement**

NEW YORK, NY – As anticipation builds for the upcoming NBC special “Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All Star Tribute,” details surrounding the legendary comedian’s death in 2014 have resurfaced. Rivers, 81, passed away on September 4, 2014, a week after undergoing a minor vocal cord procedure at the Yorkville Endoscopy Center in New York City.

During the procedure, Rivers experienced a laryngospasm, cutting off her air supply and leading to a critical drop in vitals. A subsequent investigation by the New York State Department of Health found that medical mismanagement by Dr. Gwen Korovin and the clinic’s staff contributed to irreversible brain damage. The report stated that doctors “failed to identify deteriorating vital signs and provide timely intervention.”

Melissa Rivers, Joan’s daughter, filed a lawsuit against the Yorkville Endoscopy Center, alleging that doctors performed an unauthorized biopsy and failed to recognize her mother’s oxygen deprivation in time. The lawsuit also claimed that two doctors took a selfie with Joan while she was unconscious. While Dr. Korovin’s lawyer denied that she left the room. The lawsuit was settled in 2016, with Melissa stating she was able to “put the legal aspects of my mother’s death behind me and ensure that those culpable for her death have been responsible for their actions.”

Ahead of the May 13 NBC special, a controversial tribute featuring comedians posing with Joan Rivers’ ashes has sparked discussion. Melissa Rivers believes her mother would have appreciated the honor, saying, “Given that I’m dead, I assume someone will finally decide to honor me. Well, it’s about time.”

Joan Rivers is remembered as a trailblazing comedian, advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Melissa, and grandson Cooper.

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