Autopsy: insecticide killed top Romanian singer

[July 16, 2010]  BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) -- A pathologist says the popular Romanian singer Madalina Manole caused her own death by drinking nearly a pint (nearly half a liter) of insecticide.

National Forensic Institute chief Dan Demengiu said Thursday the singer died within minutes of drinking a powerful poison called Furadan, which is used to control insects in crops.

Manole's husband found her dead early Wednesday, her 43rd birthday.

Manole became one of the country's best-loved artists, specializing in folk and popular music, often with romantic themes, and her death shocked Romanians.

No funeral plans have been announced.

[Associated Press]

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