After suicide try, survivor on respirator

ENCINITAS, California (CNN) -- A former Heaven's Gate member remained hospitalized Wednesday in serious condition following an apparent suicide attempt, according to a spokeswoman at Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Chuck Humphrey, 54, was found Tuesday in an Encinitas hotel room where another member, Wayne Cooke, died in an apparent suicide.

Initial autopsy results released Wednesday indicate Cooke died "by a combination of asphyxiation and acute alcohol/barbiturate poisoning," according to a statement from the San Diego County Coroner's office.

Cooke, 56, was from Las Vegas. His wife, Suzanne Sylvia Cooke, was one of the original Heaven's Gate suicide victims.

Humphrey remains in serious condition and on a respirator. A hospital spokeswoman says he has improved since arriving at the hospital in critical condition Tuesday afternoon.

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• Heaven's Gate redux: 1 dead, 1 ill - May 7, 1997

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• Extended coverage of mass suicides

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