Brittany Murphy's husband Simon Monjack found dead

The British husband of tragic actress Brittany Murphy has died at the Hollywood Hills home the couple once shared.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him by the emergency services, screenwriter Simon Monjack, 39, was pronounced dead last night.

It comes just five months after Clueless star Brittany, 32, died in his arms after collapsing in the shower.

Monjack’s death is being investigated by the Los Angeles police department, but they say the signs suggest it was natural causes.

Sergeant Louie Lozano told the LA Times police responded to a 911 call from the home on Sunday evening seeking ‘unspecified medical aid.’

Monjack was known to have previously suffered a heart attack.

He had also been widely reported to have large debts, although he claimed these had been resolved.

Brittany died at their home of cardiac arrest on December 20, as her mother, who lived with the couple, phoned for help.

Monjack later recalled how he tried to administer CPR in vain, then kissed his wife goodbye after she passed away.

A large amount of prescription drugs were found in the home, although Monjack claimed many of these were simply out of date medications.

After Brittany’s death Monjack caused controversy when he tried to persuade investigators not to have a post-mortem carried out on her body.

He said he couldn’t bear the idea of having his wife’s body cut open, and  called the coroner relentlessly – but to no avail.

His actions led to widespread internet rumours he was involved in her death, which he angrily denied.

In February an inquest found Brittany died from pneumonia complicated by an iron deficiency, anaemia and multiple drug intoxication.

Coroners officials said she had gone into sudden cardiac arrest because of drug intake.

Her death was classified as an accident.