Cilla Black was 71 when she lost her balance on the terrace of her Spanish holiday home, fell backwards and hit her head on a wall. The blow left her unconscious for hours before she was discovered by her son Robert, who raised the alarm. Paramedics arrived at 6pm, but it was too late; the autopsy later determined she died between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Cilla, a Liverpudlian singer who found fame in the 1960s with hits such as You're My World, later became a household name as host of the ITV game show Blind Date for almost 18 years.
Autopsy Report Details
Spanish authorities released the full 10-page autopsy report, which described the circumstances of the TV star's final moments. According to the postmortem report: "The most likely hypothesis is that being on the terrace, for some reason – loss of balance, stumble – she falls backwards, upturning the table she has near to her and hitting her head on the wall."
The report also stated that Cilla remained undiscovered for up to four hours, lying unconscious in scorching heat, which may have contributed to her death.
Stroke and Heatstroke Findings
The blow to her head caused a bleed on the brain known as a focal subarachnoid haemorrhage, which the NHS describes as a form of stroke. In their joint tribute, her sons said she died of a stroke caused by hitting her head, indicating she "did not suffer".
The autopsy recorded a body temperature of 39.9°C at almost 11pm on the day of her death. The post-mortem write-up suggested this could be evidence of heatstroke, but noted that her body had remained exposed to the sun, covered with a sheet and towel, hours after death, which could explain the high temperature. The report concluded that a diagnosis of solely heatstroke as the cause of death would not be appropriate.
Family Statement
The family said in an official statement: "It has just been confirmed by the judge and coroner in Spain the autopsy was conclusive - Cilla Black died of natural causes. The family have now been given permission to return her body home as soon as possible for her funeral."
Cilla's three sons, Robert, Ben and Jack, said they were "devastated by the sad loss of our mother". They added: "We would like to thank everyone, especially the people of Liverpool. The tributes and condolences have really helped us through these difficult times."
