As theories last night swirled over what caused Lisa Marie’s premature death, one author has blamed it on a genetic curse from the marriage of Elvis’s first-cousin grandparents.
Citing the King’s own early demise - also because of heart problems - writer Sally Hoedel believes the deaths were not mere coincidences.
Elvis’ death had already been compared to that of his mother, Gladys Smith Presley, 19 years earlier - also from heart failure and at the age of just 46.
Some of her siblings also died in their 40s.
Hoedel argues in her book ‘Destined to Die Young’ as Elvis’ maternal grandparents, Robert Lee “Bob” Smith and Octavia “Doll” Smith were first cousins, it has led to complications in the family.
“It was that union some 30-something years before Elvis’ birth that dictated his short life” as well as others in the family, the author said, blaming it on the family tree in which “branches got tangled.”
“Creating Elvis took a rare DNA combination that was not supposed to happen. It was not supposed to survive and the consequences of that have long been ignored,” she wrote.
According to Hoedel’s book, the deaths were the result of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition passed through generations.
“It is known from Elvis’ autopsy that he was 'a carrier’ for this disorder,” the US author wrote, stressing that it “can have debilitating outcomes, even as a carrier.”
Such “genetic complications” then “impacted [Elvis’] entire life,” Hoedel wrote adding it “led to poor health, impacted brain function, compromised bodily functions and damaged organs.”
Hoedel laid out her theory that Elvis was “destined to die young” more than two years ago.
It comes after Elvis' only child, Lisa-Marie Presley, has died at the age of 54.
The only daughter of the music legend was rushed to hospital on Thursday, following paramedics performing CPR on the star after being called to her house in Calabasas over a possible cardiac arrest.
They were able to regain a pulse before transporting the 54-year-old to hospital, TMZ reported at the time. She was subsequently understood to be receiving treatment.
It has since been announced that she has died, with mum Priscilla Presley, 77, releasing an emotional statement.
Priscilla said: "It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.
"She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment."
