The family of Anna Nicole’s late husband J. Howard Marshall has released a statement to EXTRA TV after hearing the news of Anna Nicole’s death.

“Our family was shocked by the untimely death of Anna Nicole Smith. We wish to express our sympathies to her family in this difficult time. We understand that many of you will be asking questions concerning the ongoing litigation with Anna. Out of respect to her friends and family we will reserve comment on the litigation at this time. ”

In other breaking Anna news, a paramedic now claims that Anna Nicole Smith was dead upon the arrival of EMT units at her sixth floor Hollywood, Florida hotel room. Check out the audio here:

http://www.nbc6.net/download/2007/0208/10965519.mp3