An autopsy report on three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons will not be released for at least six months after his widow argued in a court filing that the report could tarnish her husband's "brand".
A December 21 petition in Fort Worth Texas for a temporary injunction relief has been approved.
In the petition Irons' wife cited the "intense news frenzy" and "innuendo of drug use" surrounding her husband's death.
By delaying the report's release, a more accurate report into Irons' death could be compiled, the petition stated.
Irons, 32, died on November 2 in his room at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Dallas Fort Worth Airport during a layover.
Irons' family has said in news reports that Irons suffered from dengue fever, a virus that is spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas.
However, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser has reported that, according to the medical examiner's office, methadone - a powerful controlled substance taken for pain - was found in Irons' room, along with other prescription medications.
Authorities said at the time that there was no evidence of foul play and that toxicology tests would be performed.
Iron's wife Lyndie and their newborn son are dependent on the financial well-being of a company established "by the celebrity of Andy Irons", the petition said.
"Should the autopsy report be released now, Lyndie Irons and her newborn child would suffer immediate and irrevocable harm in that the branding value would be greatly diminished as a result of the news frenzy," the petition states.
