Comedian Joan Rivers passes away at 81

Comedian Joan Rivers passed away on September 4, after she was hospitalised post cardiac arrest in New York. She was 81.

In a statement, Rivers’ daughter Melissa said that her mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh, the BBC reported. 

Comedian and actress Whoopi Goldberg tweeted her condolences saying that her friend Rivers had passed away once and she wanted to quote Billy Crystal with 'Bon Voyage Joan'. 

Television show host Ellen DeGeneres described Rivers as a 'pioneer', adding that late comedian made way for a lot of comedians and she was very sad that she was gone. 

Rivers-inspired comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted that her heart was torn in half after hearing the sad news. 

American TV hosts' friend, journalist Barbara Walters said that no one loved life, laughter and a good time more than Rivers.

Joan Rivers’ funeral will be held at temple Emanu-El in New York City, it has been revealed. 

Meanwhile, Mount Sinai Hospital -- the hospital where Rivers underwent throat surgery before her death -- is being investigated.  

According to the reports, the Yorkville Endoscopy in New York City has fallen under the scrutiny of the State Health Department, who revealed to ABC News that its investigators had visited their premises.

Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/ REUTERS