Cass Elliot did not choke to death on a ham sandwich

 

Cass Elliot, a member of the 1960s vocal group The Mamas and the Papas, did not choke to death on a ham sandwich, according to her daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell. The myth, which has been perpetuated for nearly 50 years, has been a source of frustration for Elliot-Kugell, who has written a memoir, "My Mama, Cass," to set the record straight.

Cass Elliot, known for her powerful voice and harmonies, died in 1974 at the age of 32 from a heart attack. The autopsy found no drugs in her system, and there was no evidence of choking. Despite this, the ham sandwich myth has persisted, with even Mike Myers referencing it in the 1997 film Austin Powers.

Elliot-Kugell has done extensive research to piece together her mother's final days, including her performances at the London Palladium and her plans to attend Mick Jagger's birthday party. She believes that her mother's weight struggles and the fat-shaming she endured throughout her life contributed to the perpetuation of the myth.

Cass Elliot was a trailblazer, paving the way for other female performers who did not fit the traditional mold of beauty. She was a talented singer and performer who deserves to be remembered for her music and her legacy, not a false and cruel myth.

Elliot-Kugell's memoir not only sets the record straight but also shares happy memories of her mother and their relationship. She hopes that by sharing the truth, she can put an end to the ham sandwich myth and honor her mother's memory.