Melissa Rivers Tells NBC News Mom's Death Was '100% Preventable' Today

Melissa Rivers sat down with Matt Lauer in her first television interview since the death of her mother, Joan Rivers. Rivers told Lauer, "In my opinion, it was 100% preventable." The exclusive interview airs today, May 4 on NBC News' TODAY. Get a FIRST LOOK below

Rivers also discussed what it was like growing up the daughter of a legend, and she talked about her new book, The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief and Manipulation.

Excerpts from the interview follow. If used please credit NBC News' TODAY with airdate of Monday, May 4. The interview will be available on TODAY.com after it airs.

MELISSA RIVERS ON SEEING HER MOTHER IN THE HOSPITAL

MATT LAUER: Do you remember when you walked in the hospital?

MELISSA RIVERS: Uh-huh

MATT LAUER: What'd you see?

MELISSA RIVERS: I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. It-- it becomes very surreal.

MELISSA RIVERS ON THE MALPRACTICE LAWSUIT SHE FILED AGAINST THE CLINIC

MELISSA RIVERS: In my opinion, it was 100% preventable.

MATT LAUER: What could they have done, right off the bat, to prevent this?

MELISSA RIVERS: How about paying attention to the vital signs? How about having a properly equipped crash cart?

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