via CNN
Friends and family of Rodney King gathered in Los Angeles to bid final farewell to the man whose 1991 beating by the city’s police sparked riots after the acquittal of the four officers involved.
King was found dead in his swimming pool at his Rialto, California, home almost two weeks ago. He was 47.
“I’m extremely proud. Still, today, I can be up here and be sad, but I could have lost you when I was 6 so I’m thankful and I’m grateful. I wouldn’t have had my sister if he would have died. I’m grateful for all of you for coming to show your support,” King’s daughter, Dene, said during the service.
A spray of flowers perched atop King’s black casket, which was set next to a smiling photograph of him. Music played over a sideshow of family photographs.
Rialto police received a 911 call from King’s fiancee, Cynthia Kelly, about 5:25 a.m. on June 17, according to Capt. Randy De Anda.
Responding officers found King at the bottom of the pool, removed him and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation until paramedics arrived. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital, police said.
A preliminary autopsy report will not be released, coroner spokeswoman Jody Miller said. The coroner will wait until a full report based on the toxicology exam findings is available in six to eight weeks, Miller said.
There were no preliminary signs of foul play and no obvious injuries on King’s body, De Anda said. Police are conducting a drowning investigation.
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Article courtesy cnn.com
