The verdict is in: Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher’s death has been attributed to the heavy use of drugs, prompting a serious conversation about how addiction can destroy lives.
Fisher, who is best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia Organa, lost her life shortly in the same month as her younger self was brought back to life in the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
As Princess Leia, Fisher stole the spotlight in original Star Wars movies, and quickly became a fan favorite. After her unexpected death, the world once again turned their attention towards the adored actress wishing her well and saying goodbye to a beloved character once and for all.
The Incident That Claimed Fisher’s Life
Fisher was on a European book tour when she flew home on December 23, 2016, and suffered a medical emergency on a plane. For four days, the actress fought valiantly to hold on to life but passed away in the intensive care unit of the UCLA Medical Center on December 27, 2016.
In January, Fisher’s cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest. However, a recently released coroner’s report painted a slightly different picture. According to the toxicology review, there was evidence of opiates, alcohol, MDMA (more commonly known as ecstasy), methadone and cocaine in her system at the time of her cardiac event.
The test results stated, “There was an exposure to heroin, but the dose and time of exposure cannot be pinpointed. Therefore, we cannot establish the significance of heroin regarding the cause of death in this case.”
According to the autopsy, the tests suggested that the cocaine present must have been consumed within the previous 72 hours.
Fisher’s Daughter Details Her Mother’s Fall
Although the autopsy results stop short of blaming Fisher’s death on anything other than her cardiac arrest, her daughter doesn’t believe this to be the case. In fact, Fisher’s only child, Billie Lourd, made a surprising and emotional statement that saluted her mom’s bravery in confronting her drug and alcohol addictions.
Carrie’s daughter went so far as to say that her mom “died of” her mental illness and drug addiction. In a statement to People magazine, Lourd said the following:
“My mom battled drug addiction and mental illness her entire life. She ultimately died of it. She was purposefully open in all her work about the social stigmas surrounding these diseases. She talked about the shame that torments people and their families confronted by these diseases. I know my mom. She’d want her death to encourage people to be open about their struggles.”
Mirroring Her Fictional Role
In the Star Wars movie series, Princess Leia stood up to the dark side. She fought fearlessly and valiantly against the evil within the fictional world. She did all she could to save the innocent and create peace for all.
In her real life, Fisher, of course, fought valiantly against the evils of drug and alcohol addiction. She also apparently battled mental illness throughout her tumultuous life. According to her daughter at least, she seems to have lost her hard fought battle against her own personal demons, unlike her triumph as Princess Leia.
Unlike the general she became in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fisher eventually succumbed to her addictions. This means we have to be intellectually honest, and address the issue for what it is.
The Conservative Response
Conservatives can look at this story as a depressing one that we have seen repeated too many times. Fisher, like many of Hollywood’s elite, didn’t have a belief system that would help her in her fight against the Dark Side. She needed the help of “the Force” as she had in the movies.
In the real world, “the Force” could stand for God or faith, which, unfortunately, Fisher seemingly didn’t have. In fact, she once described herself as “an enthusiastic agnostic who would be happy to be shown that there is a God.”
This quote from Fisher herself is extremely sad. There was evidence of God all around her. Just as the Force was around Princess Leia waiting to be utilized, God was right there waiting for Fisher. All she had to do was turn towards God and call on him to help her through her addictions.
Would this have made everything improve instantly? No, but it would’ve given her hope. It would’ve shown her she wasn’t alone in the universe.
Sadly, Fisher won’t ever have a chance to find out about the true “Force,” in God. However, others who are struggling with addiction, drugs or mental illness don’t have to suffer as Fisher did. There is help out there, and there is a God who is ready and willing to be called upon to fight the ultimate battle between good and evil and come out victorious.
~ 1776 Christian
