Aaron Carter's Cause of Death Finally Revealed
The singer was found dead at his home in November.
Aaron Carter's cause of death has finally been revealed.
According to the late musician's autopsy report, which was obtained by TMZ, the "I Want Candy" singer drowned accidentally after becoming incapacitated due to a combination of alprazolam—otherwise known as Xanax—and compressed difluoroethane—or the propellant used in cans of compressed air, often inhaled or "huffed."
The publication further reports that there were a number of cans of Surf Onn compressed air found in Aaron's bathroom and bedroom, as well as several prescription bottles in the home. A nozzle tip for one of the compressed air cans was allegedly also found in the front pocket of a sweatshirt located near the tub.
Aaron was 34 years old when he was found dead at home in November after law enforcement responded to reports of a male having seemingly drowned in the tub.
He was known to struggle with substance abuse, most recently checking into rehab just last September in an effort to regain custody of his son, Prince Lyric. Aaron's fiancée, Melanie Martin, told TMZ at the time of his passing that she believed drugs were the cause of his death.
She has since issued another statement, noting to TMZ, "The results of the autopsy are not closure for me. It claims death is by drowning but also adds he was wearing a t-shirt and necklace in the bathtub which doesn't make sense, why would he be in a bathtub with clothes on? I am still in shock and still miss Aaron every day. I don’t understand the chain of events and this report only has us asking more questions."
Following his passing, his manager, Roger Paul, released a statement, saying, “We are extremely saddened and shocked to confirm the passing of Aaron Carter today. At the moment his cause of death is being investigated. We ask that you give the family time and they will have more information when available. We cannot express the outpouring of love coming in.”
In January of this year, his brother, Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys fame, dropped a new single honoring Aaron called, "Hurts to Love You," which he debuted alongside childhood footage of the two.
Nick also noted in an Instagram tribute, "My heart is broken. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed."
He continued, "Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here. I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz. Now you can finally have the peace you could never find here on earth….God,Please take care of my baby brother."
Aaron is survived by his aforementioned 17-month-old son.