Daughter: Joan Rivers Remains On Life Support
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Joan Rivers remains on life support, five days after going into cardiac arrest, her daughter said in a statement Tuesday.
In the statement released through Rivers' longtime publicist, Melissa Rivers said, "On behalf of my mother and our family, we are extremely grateful for all the love and support we've received. At this time she does remain on life support.
"I know my mother would be overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of kindness and I want to thank everyone for keeping us in their prayers."
The 81-year-old comedian went into cardiac and respiratory arrest on Thursday while undergoing a vocal cord procedure at a private Upper East Side clinic. She was then rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma.
Rivers had spoken the day before at an employee event at Time Inc. in New York. Spectators there said she had appeared to be well.
Reports earlier Tuesday said doctors will bring her out of the coma. Rivers will be given a brain scan to determine if there was any brain damage from a lack of oxygen.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rivers has always been on the go -- still performing stand-up comedy and recently releasing a new book. She also appears in reality TV shows and runs a jewelry line.
She got her first taste of real fame in 1965 as a guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
Fans told CBS 2's Don Champion they hope she can fight through the medical battle.
"She's wonderful," Millie Lamboy said. "She was full of life, energy. She was the best."
"It's sad. We've got to go soon someday, but I hope not," Rosie Jaquez said. "I hope she could recover from this, honestly."
The taping of Rivers' popular "Fashion Police" TV show has reportedly been put on hold. It was supposed to happen this week during Fashion Week.
Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
