Comedian Joan Rivers died in New York on Thursday, a week after she suffered cardiac arrest during an outpatient medical procedure, her daughter said in a statement. She was 81.<br/> <br />"It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m., surrounded by family and close friends," Melissa Rivers said.<br/> <br />Rivers stopped breathing and suffered cardiac arrest in New York last week during a procedure on her vocal cords, and was placed on life support at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.<br/> <br />The comedian, who was known for her acerbic brand of humor, had a lengthy career and most recently was host of E!'s "Fashion Police," commenting on the unfortunate red carpet choices of Hollywood celebrities.<br/> <br />"My mother's greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon," Melissa Rivers added.
