Cass Elliot Sandwich Myth Was Manager's Invention, Says Daughter

The myth that singer Cass Elliot died from choking on a ham sandwich was fabricated by her manager, Allan Carr, to protect her legacy, according to her daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugell. Elliot actually died from a heart attack in 1974 after a long session of performing and partying. The false story, initially meant to prevent drug overdose speculation, became a persistent and hurtful rumor, deeply affecting Elliot's family.