KEY POINTS:
As news of Anna Nicole Smith's untimely death spreads, those who knew her share their condolences.
Playboy tycoon Hugh Hefner sent the following message to TMZ.
"I am very saddened to learn about Anna Nicole's passing. She was a dear friend who meant a great deal to the Playboy family and to me personally. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and loved ones during this difficult time."
Smith first entered the limelight in 1993 when she was named Playboy's playmate of the year.
Smith's former husband's family, the Marshalls, have also spoken out about her death, telling television's Extra:
"Our family was shocked by the untimely death of Anna Nicole Smith. We wish to express our sympathies to her family in this difficult time. We understand that many of you will be asking questions concerning the ongoing litigation with Anna. Out of respect to her friends and family we will reserve comment on the litigation at this time. "
A representative for Larry Birkhead - the photojournalist who has issued legal proceeding against Smith to determine the paternity of her daughter Dannielynn - told TMZ her client "is not okay".
Smith's former publicist, David Granoff, told MSNBC that he was "sad, but not shocked" by her death, adding that there was "just no spark in her anymore".
Smith's body has been moved to the Broward County Medical Examiner's Ft. Lauderdale office where an autopsy will take place early tomorrow morning.
- NZHERALD STAFF
