Whitney Houston, whose death shocked music celebrities and fans around the world, may have died of a deadly combination between the sedative Xanax and lots of alcohol.

Family members of Whitney told celebrity website TMZ that the singer had a prescription for the drug, which is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. Mixed with alcohol it can cause severe sedation, which could cause someone to fall asleep in a bathtub.

The iconic American singer was found in the bathtub of a hotel room with prescription drugs nearby, TMZ said.

Whitney's face was below the water and her legs were up like she had slid down the back of the tub, according to the report.

There were no illegal drugs in the room, but a few bottles of pills, the website said, citing sources from the hotel and cops.

Her friends reportedly said that she used to take Xanax before big shows to calm her nerves and perform better.

Whitney Houston was said to have been found by one of her entourage in the bath and when she showed no signs of life they called the emergency services.

Paramedics arriving on the scene at the Beverly Hilton Hotel tried to resuscitate her for 20 minutes but it did not work and she was pronounced dead at 3.55pm.

TMZ sources said there were no obvious signs of foul play, but the Beverley Hills police were carrying out a full investigation.

Houston was due to appear at the LA gala of music's biggest occasion – the Grammy Awards – later tonight and had also been at rehearsals for the show, coaching singers Brandy and Monica.

She was partying heavily and drank large amounts of alcohol before going back to her hotel room.

It is believed she had been due to perform at the annual pre-Grammy party of her long-time mentor, record producer Clive Davis, at the Beverly Hilton, but was found hours before it began.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!