The tragic loss of a celebrity due to a drug or alcohol-related death is an event that is now very common. While many deaths may be due to misuse of illegal substances, some might be an unsafe mixture of opioid pain killers, sedatives, hypnotics, alcohol, over-the-counter medications, or even herbal supplements and an overdose may not always be intentional.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is among the most popular artists of all time. Houston was found alone in her bathtub and the coroner confirmed she died by accidental drowning, but her heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors. The toxicology report also showed evidence of longer-term drug use, including Benadryl, Xanax, and cannabis.

Heath Ledger

 His performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight earned him universal acclaim and popularity from fans and critics alike. The coroner’s report stated that he died of an accidental abuse of commonly known painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping pills due to his insomnia. 

Mac Miller

Mac Miller was an American rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Miller spoke openly about his struggle with substance abuse and depression. On September 7, 2018, Miller was found unresponsive in his home by his assistant who performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Miller was pronounced dead at the scene. On November 5, 2018, Coroner’s office determined that Miller died from an accidental drug overdose due to a “mixed drug toxicity” of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol. 

Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson was an American singer-songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He died at his Paisley Park home in Minnesota in April of what the medical examiner called a “self-administered” overdose of the painkiller fentanyl, one of the most powerful of all opioids.