The Clark County coroner's office ruled on Tuesday that 25-year-old professional golfer Erica Blasberg's death was a suicide.
Blasberg died on May 9 at her home in Henderson, about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of the Las Vegas Strip. She was found with a plastic bag secured over her head.
Henderson police said that while no foul play is suspected they have issued a misdemeanor arrest warrant for Dr. Thomas Hess on obstruction charges. Police said Hess, who discovered Blasberg's body, removed items from the scene, including a suicide note.
The contents of the note haven't been disclosed.
Hess turned himself into authorities, was booked into jail and released about 35 minutes later, after posting $637 in bail Tuesday afternoon, Henderson police spokesman Keith Paul said.
David Mincavage, an assistant city attorney in Henderson, said the nonviolent misdemeanor charges against Hess carry a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Mincavage said he could not comment further on the case, and Paul declined to say whether additional charges were possible.
The coroner's office said Blasberg died of suicide due to asphyxia, coupled with the presence of toxic levels of prescription medication in her system, including prescription headache, cough, pain and anti-anxiety medications.
The drugs in Blasberg's system included butalbital, temazepam, alprazolam, codeine, hydrocodone, and tramadol, according to the coroner.
''While asphyxia was the primary cause of death, the presence of prescription drugs in Ms. Blasberg's system was a significant factor,'' Coroner Michael Murphy said.
Henderson police spokesman Keith Paul said authorities would contact Hess' lawyer and likely allow the doctor to turn himself in because the charge is a nonviolent misdemeanor. But the spokesman refused to say if additional charges were possible.
The death investigation was complicated, police said, because Hess admitted altering the scene - including the removal of the note indicating Blasberg took her own life - and he stopped cooperating with detectives. Hess hid the note and prescription medications in his vehicle.
The Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners in Reno said Hess' medical license is active and he has had no disciplinary action or pending complaints. He got his license to practice in Nevada in July 2003.
Blasberg was in her sixth season on the U.S. LPGA Tour. She played in one event this season, tying for 44th in the April 29-May 2 Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico.
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Associated Press writer Oskar Garcia contributed to this report.
