I think it's tragic that certain groups were so set on pushing their agenda that they fraudulently obtained Dr. Atkins' autopsy records and released private information from them which mislead people into believing this nonsense. It's amazing to me that this misformation is still being circulated.

Dr. Atkins died of a head injury he received when he slipped on an icy sidewalk while walking to work at the age of 72. According to his widow he was a normal weight when he fell. By the time he was removed from life support nine days later he'd bloated up due to organ failure.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/...atements_x.htm

http://www.snopes.com/medical/doctor/atkins.asp

His heart disease was cardiomyopathy and was not related to diet.

This reminds me of the story that goes around about Bobby McFerrin who sang Don't Worry, Be Happy. People say he committed suicide when in fact he's still alive. People just love an ironic story.

ETA: This story includes the information that Dr. Atkins was interviewed by Dateline 6 weeks before his death and he wasn't obese: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4327741/...ing-dr-atkins/