Elvis Presley died on Thursday, August 16, 1977, at 3:30 p.m. at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 42. He was found unresponsive on the floor of his bedroom by his fiancée Ginger Alden and staff. Emergency responders and physicians pronounced him dead at the scene. The official cause of death was cardiac arrest compounded by coronary artery disease and prescription drug complications. This verified profile explains the date, time, location, age, and medical context without sensationalism, drawing on autopsy records, witness statements, and official reports for clarity and accuracy.
Date and time of death
Elvis Presley died on Thursday, August 16, 1977, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time at Graceland. Multiple witnesses, including Ginger Alden, private staff, and emergency medical personnel, confirm this timeline consistently across official reports and investigative summaries.
Immediate discovery and response
Earlier that day, Elvis was seen by several people and appeared in stable condition. He was found unresponsive on the floor of his bedroom by Ginger Alden and members of his household staff. Memphis Police and emergency medical services were called and arrived quickly, but no pulse was detected on scene, and attending physicians formally pronounced death at 3:30 p.m.
Age at death
Elvis was 42 years old at the time of his death. He was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and died just weeks before his 43rd birthday. The age is consistently reported in death certificates, biographies, and official police and medical records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | August 16, 1977 | Death certificate, police report |
| Time of death | 3:30 p.m. CT | Witness statements, EMS records |
| Location | Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee | Police and news reports |
| Age at death | 42 years old | Birth/death records |
| Official cause of death | Cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease, prescription drug involvement | Autopsy and toxicology report |
Medical circumstances
The official autopsy listed cardiac arrest as the immediate cause, with severe coronary artery disease and an enlarged heart noted. Toxicology reports confirmed multiple prescribed medications in his system, including codeine, Demerol, and Valium. These factors together are medically cited as the probable basis for the acute event at Graceland.
Immediate aftermath and confirmation
News of the death broke shortly after the pronouncement, and Memphis police secured the scene. Family members, including father Vernon Presley, were notified. Public confirmation was made via press statements later on August 16. The consistency across police, medical, and family sources reinforces the reliability of the basic facts: date, time, location, age, and cause.
Context and legacy
Elvis was a defining figure in mid-20th century music and culture. His death at 42 marked the end of a prolific recording and performance career that began in the mid-1950s. Memorials and observances continue at Graceland, and official records remain accessible through municipal, medical, and archival sources. His influence persists in popular music and continues to shape ongoing research and public interest.
Common questions
- Was Elvis found dead in the bathroom? No; he was found on the floor of his bedroom.
- How old would Elvis be today? If alive, he would turn 89 in January 2025 (as of August 2025, he would be 89).
- Are there conspiracy theories about his death? Yes, but official records, autopsy reports, and multiple eyewitnesses confirm the basic facts above.
