Former "Playboy" model Katie May's death in February was caused by a chiropractic procedure to her neck, the Los Angeles County coroner's office told NBC News.
May died on Feb. 4 due to a "manipulation of the neck," the coroner's office said. Her death was ruled an accident.
On Friday, the American Chiropractic Association offered condolences to May's family, but defended chiropractic neck procedures.
"Our sympathy goes out to the family of Katie May," they wrote in a statement. "With respect to the safety of neck manipulation, it’s important to understand there are risks and benefits to all treatments; however, the best available evidence indicates there is no causal relationship between neck manipulation and stroke."
"Millions of neck manipulations are performed safely in the U.S. every year, providing patients relief from common forms of neck pain and headache, and helping them to get back to their normal activities," the statement continued.
