Bobbi Kristina Brown's Life and Accident Examined in New Book

Ian Halperin writes about Brown's life and troubles.

ByABC News
June 9, 2015, 11:43 AM

— -- A new book is making controversial new allegations about the life of Bobbi Kristina Brown leading up to the day last January when she was found unresponsive in a bathtub.

“It’s terrible what happened to this girl who was entering the prime of her life and had so much to offer,” author Ian Halperin said of Brown, 22.

Halperin’s new book, “Whitney and Bobbi Kristina: The Deadly Price of Fame,” claims Brown had been leading an unstable life leading up to the accident, which happened nearly three years to the day Brown’s mother, Whitney Houston, was found dead in a hotel bathtub.

“There were allegations of drugs and alcohol,” Halperin said. “She never dealt properly with the loss of her mother.”

Though Brown’s childhood was turbulent, Halperin said, she and Houston were extremely close and Houston’s death sent her daughter into a downward spiral.

The downward spiral led Brown to surround herself with enablers who were just using her for her access to Houston’s money, Halperin said. Those friends included Nick Gordon, who was at the home when Brown was found face-down in the bathtub.

Gordon, who claimed he was married to Brown, later broke down during an interview on “Dr. Phil” before entering rehab.

“My pain is horrible," Gordon said on "Dr. Phil." "My heart hurts. I have panic attacks.”

In one of the book’s most explosive claims, Halperin said he is not convinced what happened in January was an accident at all and added that he believes there is evidence suggesting foul play.

“There’s no doubt the circumstances are highly suspicious because she was found in a bathtub of cold water,” Halperin said. “There is a criminal investigation going on as we speak.”

Police in Roswell, Georgia, confirmed a criminal investigation is ongoing, though no decision has yet been made to prosecute anyone.

Bobbi Kristina Brown’s prognosis is not good, Halperin said, despite conflicting reports. He added that Brown’s father, singer Bobby Brown, is the main one holding out hope.

“He’s been at her bedside almost 24/7 since the accident happened,” Halperin said. “And he’s believing a medical miracle is possible.”

Nick Gordon and Bobby Brown did not respond to ABC News' attempts to reach them for comment.