A new book asserts that Judy Garland achieved sobriety with assistance from a private investigator.
On June 22, 1969, the renowned "Over the Rainbow" singer was discovered dead in her residence at the age of 47.
Garland had long battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction, but actually overcame it with the aid of Fred Otash, as revealed by the book.
This insight offers a fresh perspective on the iconic singer's struggles culminating tragically in her untimely death.
Judy Garland Overcame Addiction With the Help of a Private Investigator
Manfred Westphal authored the new book, The Fixer: Moguls, Mobsters, Movie Stars and Marilyn, which disclosed Garland's connection to the investigator, who died in 1992.
The author also spoke with Fox News Digital to share further details about Garland's life.
"When Judy Garland filed for divorce from her third husband, Sid Luft, she was afraid to be in her home alone," said Westphal. "She feared that Sid might kidnap the children. So her attorney, Jerry Giesler, hired Otash to serve as her bodyguard. He turned out to be her fixer."
Otash previously worked for the Los Angeles Police Department before launching his detective bureau in 1955. Garland then told him to move in with her for the job.
From there, the private investigator discovered her state amid her alcohol and prescription drug addiction and helped her get over it by locking up all the substances in the garage and flushing the pills down the toilet.
However, the "If Only Had a Brain" singer reportedly struggled with withdrawal afterward.
"She had many, many sleepless nights," Westphal continued. "She pretty much demanded or forced Fred to stay up every night with her into the wee hours of the morning. They would just sit in her living room, and he would patiently listen to her talk about all the trials and tribulations that she went through in her life. He knew that it would be good for her to get it all out."
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How Did Judy Garland Die?
Garland's then-husband, Mickey Deans, was shocked when he found her dead in their London flat.
Following an autopsy, authorities concluded that Garland's death resulted from an accidental overdose of barbiturates that she had self-administered. Coroner Gavin Thurston informed the press that Garland had ingested a lethal amount of the substance beyond her tolerance level.
Garland spend the last days of her life destitute and near homeless. Her issues also led her to be suicidal as she also dealt with health problems.
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