The former husband of Brittany Murphy, the actress who died of pneumonia after taking a cocktail of drugs last year, has been found dead at his home in Hollywood.

Simon Monjack, the British screenwriter, was pronounced dead late on Sunday night after attempts to resuscitate him following a suspected cardiac arrest failed.

The Los Angeles fire department was called to the property in the Hollywood hills shortly after 9pm last night, to respond to "an unspecified medical aid request", according to reports.

Police Sergeant Louie Lozano told the LA Times the cause of death was still unknown. He said: "We have detectives at scene. They are conducting their investigation. Once we have further information, we will provide it."

His death comes just five months after his wife Murphy, the 8 Mile and Clueless actress, 32, died in Monjack's arms after collapsing in the shower.

Editor: Let's hope they've been reunited once again .....