NY Health Officials Open Investigation Into Joan Rivers Surgery

New York health officials opened an investigation Thursday into the clinic where Joan Rivers stopped breathing during surgery.

Rivers was having a minor throat procedure Aug. 28 at Yorkville Endoscopy on East 93rd Street when she stopped breathing. She went into cardiac arrest and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where died Thursday at age 81.

After a review, state heath officials opened an investigation into the clinic and her surgery.

The Medical Examiner is investigating Rivers' death. 

Yorkville Endoscopy is accredited by the the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. The association said it was investigating the facility's accreditation. 

Melissa Rivers said her mother died peacefully surrounded by family and close friends. 

"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh," Melissa Rivers said in a statement. "Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon."

Meanwhile, production on two "Fashion Police" episodes from New York Fashion Week have been halted.

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