The autopsy examiner observed a red bruise on the right eyebrow, two red bruises on the knees, and eight fresh superficial fissures around the anal opening. Around the genitals, anal region, femora, chin, and hands, a dried clear substance was noticed, and the pubic hair had been shaved. Injury was found to the anterior part of the cervical spine at the C6-C7 level. The deceased's family doctor reported that the man had been healthy, suffering only from medically managed mild asthma treated with B-agonist and steroid inhalation combined with theophylline (tablet) and periodical migraine attacks, which had been treated with sumatriptan. A few months before his death, he had complained of chest pain; however, an electrocardiogram and blood samples had shown no sign of heart disease. The deceased had no history of drug abuse or recent neck or head trauma. His car showed no sign of a recent accident. The man at whose home the deceased died reported that some 10 minutes after his friend's arrival, he complained of sweating and discomfort, inhaled a few times from a spray, took off all his clothes, and lurched to the hallway where he collapsed, knocking his head into a doorframe or a piece of furniture during his fall. Within a short time, paramedics arrived and attempted resuscitation to no effect. There was no report of a seizure; and the friend, who was confined to a wheelchair, denied having a homosexual relationship with the deceased. The cause of death remained unclear, but was most likely cardiac arrhythmia initiated by B-2 agonist inhalation due to an acute asthmatic attack. 4 figures and 20 references