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Joan Rivers In Critical Condition After Cardiac Arrest Following Surgery [Update]

By Niki Cruz
Published on: 07:53 PST, Aug 28, 2014

As we reported, Joan Rivers was rushed from surgery to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York after she went into cardiac arrest. Rivers reportedly stopped breathing during a scheduled procedure on her vocal chords.

According to TMZ, the 81-year-old comedian was rushed to Mount Sinai and an unidentified person, most likely a medical expert, told the dispatcher of Rivers condition, “We have somebody in either cardiac or respiratory arrest.” Later on, Joan Rivers’ identity was revealed to the press.

When the news first hit, Joan’s condition wasn’t yet known, but now we can tell you that the comedian is in critical condition at Mount Sinai hospital.

A statement was released to The Associated Press after the news was leaked:

“This morning, Joan Rivers was taken to The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where she is being attended to. Her family wants to thank everybody for their outpouring of love and support. We will provide an update on her condition as it becomes available.”

At 81-years-old, Joan is busy now busier than ever. She regularly tours around the States, hosts E!’s Fashion Police which airs regularly, and is a red carpet correspondent, in addition to being a playwright, actress, and director. Although her comedic stylings are an acquired taste, Rivers has always kept optimistic even in the midst of receiving backlash.

Back in 2010, the comedian revealed her greatest struggles in a very personal and eye opening documentary called Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. When she spoke to Entertainment Weekly, she told them of the film:

“I thought, if we’re doing a biography with talking heads saying, ‘I love you Joan,’ then I don’t want to do it. The deal is you have total access and put in what you want. I’m not going to name names, but there were two documentary biographies last year where at the end you didn’t know a damn thing about the subjects. What am I wasting my time sitting in a theater? I could have seen Avatar instead!”

In light of Joan Rivers’ hospitalization, celebrities have sent well wishes to the comedian:

Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush, who had texted with Joan’s daughter Melissa, told his Facebook followers of Rivers’ uncertain status:

“Praying for Joan Rivers who is in critical condition at Mt Sinai hospital in NY. Texted with Melissa Rivers who said ‘please pray.’ Already doing that. Joan is beloved around here. A regular guest on Access Hollywood Live she never fails to deliver. She taped her post Emmy special Tuesday in LA and was strong. This is out of nowhere. Come on Joan you have to make it. Just think of all the material. Sending love and prayers.”

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