Cause of Death Confirmed for 'Eight is Enough' Actor Adam Rich
New details have come to light regarding the unexpected death of Eight is Enough alum Adam Rich.
The former child star was 54 when he died at his home in Los Angeles earlier this year, but a cause of death had not been revealed until now.
Over five months after his death, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office released a report on Friday, June 23, confirming that Rich died due to the "effects of fentanyl." The manner of death is listed as accidental.
As Parade previously reported, Rich was discovered by an unnamed person in Los Angeles on Jan. 7, 2023. At the time, authorities said the cause of death was still pending, but foul play was not suspected.
The news was confirmed by his rep, Danny Deraney, who released a statement on social media to share the difficult news.
"Adam was simply a wonderful guy," Deraney wrote via Twitter at the time. "He was kind, generous and a warrior in the fight against mental illness."
Thank you all for reaching out regarding Adam Rich.
If you knew Adam, you just loved the guy. And oh the stories he could tell.
Here is my statement: pic.twitter.com/3OITGnESuf— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 8, 2023
"Adam did not have an ounce of ego," the note continued. "He was unselfish and always looked out for those he cared about. Which is why many people who grew up with him feel a part of their childhood gone and sad today."
Rich was most known for his role as Nicholas Bradford, the youngest child of the beloved Bradford family on Eight Is Enough, which ran from 1977 to 1981.
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Affectionally dubbed "America's little brother," Rich was often remembered for his recognizable page-boy haircut as a young kid on the show. He began starring on the ABC dramedy sitcom at age 8, alongside TV dad Dick Van Patten, who played the family patriarch Tom Bradford.
Notable actors Grant Goodeve, Connie Needham, Willie Aames, Susan Richardson, Laurie Walters, Lani O'Grady and Dianne Kay also starred as Rich's on-screen siblings.
In addition to Eight is Enough, Rich's other TV credits included Baywatch, Small Wonder, Dungeons & Dragons, Silver Spoons, St. Elsewhere, Gun Shy, Code Red and more, per IMDB.
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