Steve Allen was in a minor traffic accident 75 minutes before he died. Now coroners are investigating to find out whether the minor fender bender contributed to the late performer’s death.
“It was a very minor traffic accident,” coroner’s spokesman Scott Carrier said. “If a traffic accident is noted on the death certificate, we are required by California law to investigate it.”
Allen, 78, was on his way to his son’s Encino, Calif., home Oct. 30 when his car was hit by a sport utility vehicle while Allen was backing out of a driveway.
His car had only minor damage so Allen continued to his son’s house.
Allen, best known as the original host of “The Tonight Show,” died in his sleep after having dinner with his son and grandchildren.
A heart attack was reported as the cause of death.
