OZZY Tour Manager Death Likely Due To Throat Cancer

July 25, 2003

Mike Martindale of The Detroit News is reporting that the tour manager for Ozzy Osbourne likely died as a result of throat cancer, but results of his autopsy could take several weeks.

Robert "Bobby" Thomson died Thursday afternoon in his room at the Townsend Hotel (photos) in Birmingham. He was in town with Osbourne for the two-day Ozzfest concert performances.

Birmingham Police Chief Richard Patterson said Friday that there was no evidence in the motel room to indicate Thomson's death was anything but natural. Thomson, 50, of Saugus, Calif., had been diagnosed with throat cancer about 18 months ago.

"There were no signs of foul play and outside of the presence of some prescriptions, there were no drugs present," Patterson said. "Those that knew him said he was quite ill and had been having some problems in recent days."

Thomson was taking several prescription medications to combat his cancer, according to his associates.

Results of an autopsy completed Friday by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office were described as pending because extensive toxicology tests must be completed to determine if any of the medications may have contributed to Thomson's death.

Thomson and Osbourne were staying at the Birmingham hotel this week while Osbourne performed Thursday and Friday shows at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Despite the death, Osbourne performed Thursday and released a statement expressing sympathy for Thomson's family. Osbourne said Thomson, a native of Wallyford, Scotland, had toured with him for 23 years.

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