The final tragic blow came with Smith’s own death on February 8, 2007, at a hotel in Hollywood. According to autopsy results, her death was attributed to an accidental overdose of several prescription drugs, primarily chloral hydrate (per The New York Times). On the night of her death, she was running a high fever, but reportedly denied medical help (via Today).
Celebrities Who Overdosed: Their Tragic Stories
This wasn’t a short addiction, however, with claims that MJ relied on painkillers throughout most of his life. Throughout his ongoing wrongful death lawsuit, it was revealed that Michael was a “quite extensive” drug addict during the last 15 years of his life. Here we take a trip back down memory lane and uncover the celebrities who have been on drugs and suffered from alcohol abuse.
- Tributes poured in from Hollywood, with Renfro’s first co-star Susan Sarandon calling him the “most incredibly gifted young actor.”
- On the night of her death, she was running a high fever, but reportedly denied medical help (via Today).
- However, it was the very earthly issue of opioid addiction that led to his accidental overdose on the painkiller fentanyl.
- The deaths of celebrities due to drug overdose often attract significant media attention, raising awareness about the dangers of addiction and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems.
Famous Drug Addicts & Celebrities Who Died From Drugs
These famous people who overdoses left a lasting impact, on their chosen profession and also on popular culture and their admirers worldwide. The “Purple Rain” singer reigned at the top of the charts for almost 40 years. Prince signed his first record deal at the age of 19 and earned his place on the shortlist of top musicians of his generation. During his celebrities who died from drugs illustrious career, he sold over 150 million records and won 7 Grammys and an Academy Award for best original song score for his iconic Purple Rain. Unfortunately, a great many celebrities and public figures have died due to an OD. Read about some of them below—and resolve not to follow their example.
Prince’s Musical Genius and Innovation
At the age of 48, Whitney died from an overdose of cocaine, combined with a toxic amount of alcohol in her system. According to the toxicology reports, she had a lethal amount of cocaine and alcohol in her system. According to the toxicology reports, he had a lethal amount of cocaine and heroin in his system. According to his autopsy report, he had a toxic combination of prescription medications, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs, and anti-depressants in his system. His death was completely preventable if he had been more careful and attentive when taking the drugs. Alcohol is not necessarily lethal, but in higher doses, it can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Even artistic geniuses are not immune to the growing opioid epidemic in the United States. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. Even worse, celebrities often have access to doctors who illegally prescribe them dangerous substances. A celebrity might even develop a sense of security when getting drugs through a doctor because they might believe it to be safer than getting drugs from the streets. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 50% of Americans 12 and older have used drugs at least once in their lifetime.
Famous People Who Overdosed on Heroin
Marilyn Monroe, a legendary Sobriety figure in the entertainment world, passed away in 1962 amidst a cloud of uncertainty. While the declared cause was an overdose of barbiturates, her death has been the subject of endless speculation and various conspiracy theories, leaving the true circumstances somewhat murky. It takes courage to come out and tell the world of a dark past, but these overdose survivors do so hoping to help others. Finding an immoral, pill-feeding doctor would be much more challenging for a regular person, but celebrities can use their fame and power to influence doctors.
Tragically on May 13, 1988, Chet Baker was found on a street with serious head injuries. It was later discovered that the star had fallen from the second-story window. Further investigation into the case revealed that drugs like cocaine and heroin were present in his system. River Phoenix unexpected death was caused by ‘acute combined drug intoxication.’ It was a normal night for Phoenix until he started having seizures outside on the sidewalk outside The Viper Room. Emergency treatment was given to him but attempts to resuscitate River Phoenix failed.
Unfortunately, just months after taking a break from Glee to go to rehab, Monteith died from a heroin and alcohol overdose. Philip Seymour Hoffman, who notably appeared in Happiness and the Big Lebowski, died on February 2, 2014, at the age of 46. He was found lying down with a syringe in his arm following a drug overdose. On July 31, 2023, Angus Cloud passed away as a result of an accidental overdose. Heath Ledger wasn’t content just being a pretty face – the dude dug deep into his characters like few actors of his generation.