Joan Rivers Hospitalized in Critical Condition After She Stops Breathing During Operation

Image courtesy of www.nydailynews.com

Source: www.nydailynews.com

Tart-tongued comedian Joan Rivers was rushed to a Manhattan hospital Thursday morning after she stopped breathing during an operation, a family source told the Daily News.

“We are scared,” the source said. “This is not looking good. No big medical decisions will be made until (daughter) Melissa arrives.”

An assistant to the renowned 81-year-old comic was overheard saying that Rivers, who TMZ says is in critical condition, was inside Mount Sinai Medical Center after arriving a short time earlier.

“She’s not conscious, but she’s stable,” said an obviously distraught Graham Reed, the comedian’s assistant. Reed refused to provide any details when approached by a reporter

But the family source said friends were gathering Thursday inside Rivers’ apartment.

Joan Rivers' assistant, Graham Reed, is seen Thursday outside Mount Sinai Hospital, where the comedian was rushed after she stopped breathing during surgery at a clinic.

“She would want us all to laugh,” the source said. “But at the moment, we are all praying.”

Emergency medical help was dispatched to 201 E. 93rd St. at 9:40 a.m., with the patient in “cardiac and respiratory arrest” at the scene, the FDNY reported

Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai Medical Center on Madison Ave. at 99th St.

The Brooklyn-born Rivers was reportedly undergoing surgery on her vocal cords at a clinic when the problem occurred, and she was quickly rushed to Mount Sinai, according to TMZ.com.

Rivers, 81, is a longtime Manhattan resident. She appeared in good shape Wednesday night for a performance at the Laurie Beechman Theater on W. 42nd St.

“She was incredible, sounded great,” said one fan who attended the gig.