Debi-Austin-Obituary

Debi Austin

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A woman who smoked a cigarette through a hole in her throat to illustrate her struggle with nicotine addiction in a California public service advertisement has died of cancer, health officials and her family said Wednesday.

Debi Austin died Feb. 22 at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, according to family friend and spokesman Jim Walker. She was 62.

Austin first appeared on television in 1996, telling viewers she began smoking at age 13 and could never quit. In a quiet, halting rasp, Austin told the camera, "They say nicotine isn't addictive," before inhaling from a lit cigarette held to a hole in her throat.

"How can they say that?" Austin asked viewers, as cigarette smoke wafted from the hole.

Called a stoma, the hole in her throat allowed her to breathe after her larynx was removed at age 42.

The TV spot was "the most-recognized and talked about California tobacco control ad," according to the state health department.

"Debi was a pioneer in the fight against tobacco and showed tremendous courage by sharing her story to educate Californians on the dangers of smoking," said Dr. Ron Chapman, who heads the health department. "She was an inspiration for Californians to quit smoking and also influenced countless others not to start."

Four months after the ad, Austin quit smoking - halting a two- to three-pack-a-day habit. She fought various forms of cancer for the rest of her life. She starred in other ads and spent the rest of her life advocating against the use of tobacco.

"True to Debi's spirit, she was a fighter to the end and leaves a big hole in our hearts and lives. Debi will be remembered fondly by those who love her to be caring, courageous, very funny and always there to offer advice or lend a hand," the family's statement said.

SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER, Associated Press


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)

i appreciate her going on television and showing us the bad affects of smoking. i think about her a lot. my condolences to you the family. she was a very special person. I'm glad she is R.I.P.

I will always remember the commercial ...that was enough for me as a young teenager to not smoke...Debi was a very courages women to have done the commercial...I have the hope that Gods word promises us to live on a peaceful earth " The righteous themselves will possess the EARTH and they will reside FOREVER upon it." Psalms 37:29

May you draw close to God at this difficult time.James4:8

Lake Chabot, Castro Valley CA

Thank you so much for sharing the truth. I appreciate everything you've done! May God bless you and your family.

Our God's plan was for his children to live peaceful & healthy long lives. Know that his plans hasn't changed and are still in progress, until then just remember that God has Debi in his memory where she will always be in yours. (Isa 55:11)

I am sorry to hear of the loss of Debi Austin. May the family draw strength during this very difficult time from the " God of all comfort". May you continue to "comfort one another." 1 Thessalonians 5:11,14

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.