SAN DIEGO -- Family members of late San Diego City Councilman Charles Lewis hope to sway public opinion about how he died, 10News reported.

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CHARLES LEWIS Images: Community Gathers At Councilman's Funeral Images: Charles Lewis 1966-2004 Video: Councilman Lewis Early Autopsy Results

They held a media conference Friday to publicly thank supporters for the phone calls, cards, and words of encouragement. But the more pressing issue was the medical examiner's report that raises questions about Lewis and whether he had an alcohol problem.

The final autopsy report showed that Lewis died of cirrhosis of the liver, a condition that is generally caused by chronic abuse of alcohol over a long period of time.

However, there are a few cases of nonalcoholic cirrhosis found in overweight patients, who may be predisposed to diabetes or who contracted hepatitis.

Friends and family of Lewis insisted that he did not have a drinking problem, pointing out he worked 12-hour days that left little time for any recreation.

They said they want him to be remembered for his public service, instead of controversy.

"We are determined to see that Chuck's untimely passing becomes a catalyst for further medical research and health education. We challenge you, the public, to not draw simple conclusions," Lewis' sister, Charlos Lewis-Maull, said.

"We can only measure a man's life by the fruit of his life, not by a forensic report," Lewis' aunt, Alicia White-Bell, said.

White-Bell held up a picture of Lewis, saying he was a man of faith, and that is how he should be remembered.

The family's statement comes one day after federal charges of bribery and corruption were dropped against Lewis. That issue never came up during the media conference.