George Hickenlooper cause of death: Mixed drug use/sleep apnea combo took director's life

The death of director George Hickenlooper, governor-elect John Hickenlooper's cousin, on the eve of the Starz Denver Film Festival premiere of his new movie, Casino Jack, was an accident caused by mixed prescription drug use and alcohol complicated by sleep apnea, according to Denver's medical examiner. Here's the coroner's office...

By Michael Roberts

November 23, 2010

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

The death of director George Hickenlooper, governor-elect John Hickenlooper's cousin, on the eve of the Starz Denver Film Festival premiere of his new movie, Casino Jack, was an accident caused by mixed prescription drug use and alcohol complicated by sleep apnea, according to Denver's medical examiner.

Here's the coroner's office release:

The cause of death is mixed drug (ethanol and oxymorphone) intoxication. These substances had central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects. Autopsy revealed a moderately enlarged heart (460 grams). The decedent had a history of probable sleep apnea. Cardiomegaly and probable sleep apnea are significant contributing factors to death. The manner of death is accident.

This year's film festival was dedicated to George Hickenlooper's memory. Casino Jack, starring Kevin Spacey, is expected to open at theaters on December 17. Here's the trailer:

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo