Rube says Mama Cass Elliot choked to death on a ham sandwich. When Mama Class's body was found in bed, there was a half eaten ham sandwich in the room. The press loved the idea that the notably obese singer choked to death and immediately ran with that idea, giving it a lot of attention. When the autopsy later showed a massive heart attack and no obstruction of the trachea the press gave the results very little attention.
The cook's first name is Angus, which is also the name of a Scottish beef cattle. As mentioned in the story, his last name is Cook, and both of his parents are from Scotland.