Whitney Houston was found underwater and apparently unconscious when she
was discovered in the bath at her Beverly Hills hotel room, police have revealed.
Police said in a statement they could not yet speculate on the cause of the singer's death.
"She was underwater and apparently unconscious," the statement said.
"Ms Houston was pulled from the tub by members of her staff and hotel security was promptly notified."
It comes after the coroner investigating Whitney Houston's death refused to comment on a tidal wave of speculation surrounding her demise.
Deputy LA coroner Ed Winter told a press conference the star's family were now free to collect the body.
But though reports in the US had suggested Houston may have taken an overdose of prescription drugs and did not drown, he insisted it was too early to tell before toxicology tests were completed.
"I had a conversation with the family at the hotel and at no time did I discuss prescription meds or the drowning issue," he said.
"I don't know if the detectives discussed that with the family, but no, we have not released any information like that."
Pressed by reporters over claims Houston could not have died of drowning because there had not been enough water in her lungs, Mr Winter said: "That did not come from us. It's too early to say. The autopsy was done yesterday and there still is additional testing that is ongoing.
"You can look at a body and not know what the cause of death is. You might have a suspicion that person could have suffered a heart attack or something.
"No matter what medications they're taking, until we run a (toxicology test) and see the level and what's in the system, we're not going to speculate."
It could be up to eight weeks before the result of the tests are known.
While foul play is not suspected, a "security hold" has been placed on the case, as has been done in previous high-profile investigations, to keep further details from being disclosed.
Meanwhile, a singer who took part in an impromptu duet with Houston just 48 hours before her death said the star was "upbeat and joyful".
Kelly Price told CNN: "She did not seem dishevelled. She was dancing, she was laughing. We were having a good time.
"What I saw on Thursday night was not erratic behaviour. I didn't see someone who was high.
"She was in good spirits leaving the club. Yes, whe was a little messy, as I was, as every other person was at 2, 3, 3.30 in the morning after having sung half the night, danced half the night."
Celebrity news website TMZ is reporting Houston, 48, did not die from drowning but a suspected "combination of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol".
Law enforcement officials found prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, including Valium, Xanax and Lorazepam, in her room at the Beverly Hills Hilton, the showbiz gossip website Radar Online also reports.
TMZ said LA coroner's officials had told the pop star's family there was not enough water in her lungs "to lead to the conclusion that she drowned".
Houston may have died before her head slipped under the water, the website claimed.
The singer's death overshadowed the annual Grammy music awards , with host LL Cool J offering a prayer for Houston, her family and fans.
"Although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed by her musical spirit," he said.
Houston died hours before she was expected to perform at a pre-Grammy party thrown by her mentor, record producer Clive Davis, at the Beverly Hilton.
She won six Grammy awards, two Emmys and 22 American Music awards and 30 Billboard awards during a career spanning three decades.
While the cause of Houston's death remains undetermined, reports have focused on her public behaviour in the days before her death.
The singer was seen at the Beverly Hilton last week, where she reportedly behaved erratically and "smelt of alcohol", according to the Los Angeles Times.
Houston arrived at the hotel for rehearsals and the newspaper claims she was seen flailing her arms frenetically, skipping around the ballroom and wandering aimlessly through the lobby.
Radar Online also reports Houston made several visits to a Beverly Hills doctor in the days before she died, and published photographs of her leaving the medical building on one such occasion.
The website claims she was last seen at the doctor's office last Thursday.
It was that night the troubled star was filmed making her last ever public performance while a guest at a Hollywood party.
Reports added how Houston, who struggled with drug addiction and financial problems for many years, appeared dishevelled and agitated as she left the venue.
Police said the I Will Always Love You singer was found in her hotel room by a member of her entourage.
Paramedics worked to revive Houston, but were unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead shortly before 4pm on Saturday local time.
Meanwhile, Houston's 18-year-old daughter has been released from a Los Angeles hospital after being taken by ambulance from the hotel where her mother died.
A source close to the family was reported as saying Bobbi Kristina Brown was treated for stress and anxiety .
TMZ said she had to be held back by police to stop her entering the hotel room.
Earlier, Houston's family expressed their grief in a brief statement, saying: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly.
"We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends."
The singer's ex-husband Bobby Brown said he was "deeply saddened" by her death.
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