The ‘8 Mile’ actress reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her Los Angeles home this morning (20.12.09) but emergency services were unable to revive her, reports gossip website TMZ.

The 32year-old actress - who was married to screenwriter Simon Monjack - was taken to the city’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to reports, the ‘Clueless’ star was discovered unconscious in the shower at around 8am by her mother, who made the call to emergency services.

Los Angeles’ county coroner confirmed: “We do have a preliminary death report of a Brittany Murphy” coming from Cedars-Sinai.”

Shortly after the news was announced, Brittany’s ex-boyfriend, Ashton Kutcher paid tribute to her on twitter.

He tweeted: “2day the world lost a little piece of sunshine. My deepest condolences go out 2 Brittany’s family, her husband, and her amazing mother Sharon.

“See you on the other side kid. (sic)”