Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Harry Morton death: Hard Rock Cafe heir and Pink Taco founder died of heart condition, post-mortem examination finds

Morton co-founded the Pink Taco chain

Clémence Michallon
New York
Thursday 27 February 2020 13:18 EST
Comments
Harry Morton in June 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Harry Morton in June 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Harry Morton, a restaurateur and heir to the Hard Rock Cafe franchise, died of a cardiac condition aged 38, a post-mortem examination has found.

Morton died suddenly in November last year.

A newly completed report by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner lists his cause of death as “probably cardiac arrhythmia” – also known as an irregular heartbeat.

The report also lists a second cause of “myocardial bridging with coronary artery atherosclerosis”. A myocardial bridge occurs when ”one or more of the coronary arteries goes through the heart muscle instead of lying on its surface”, according to Stanford Healthcare, and atherosclerosis happens when plaque builds up inside the arteries.

The findings echo statements made by Morton’s family shortly after his passing.

A family spokesperson told outlets at the time, including TMZ, that LA County authorities had found that Morton had died of coronary artery disease and a mildly enlarged heart.

The family also stated at the time according to another doctor and family friend, Morton suffered from calcification in three arteries.

Morton was the founder of the restaurant chain. He was also a past owner of the famed Viper Room nightclub.

His father Peter Morton co-founded the Hard Rock Cafe chain, and his grandfather Arnie Morton co-created Morton’s The Steakhouse.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in