TMZ have reported that toxicology results have revealed the cause of Scott Weiland‘s death.
Considering his history of drug and alcohol abuse, it may be unsurprising that the cause of death was a drug overdose. The report from Hennepin County Medical Examiner in Minneapolis revealed a toxic combination of cocaine, MDA ( poisonous chemical similar to, and often cut with MDMA) and alcohol, as well as showing “significant” heart disease and asthma. When his death was first reported, police had also shared their findings of Xanax, Viagra, pharmaceutical medication for bipolar disorder, sleeping pills and more on his tour bus. Although TMZ report that these drugs “did not play a factor in his death”, it’s likely that the sheer quantity (he had a high tolerance) of medication and drugs his body – particularly as it’s a mix of stimulants and depressants – all contributed in some way, considering the report also stated that his “multi-substance dependence” was part of the trouble.
Weiland was a remarkable vocalist and frontman for influential Seattle grunge band Stone Temple Pilots. In later years he also fronted rock supergroup Velvet Revolver, but his true legacy is with STP.
In the wake of his death, Weiland’s wife Mary Forsberg Weiland published a heartbreaking open letter in Rolling Stone on behalf of herself and her children, Noah (15) and Lucy (13).
She wrote, “December 3rd, 2015 is not the day Scott Weiland died. It is the official day the public will use to mourn him, and it was the last day he could be propped up in front of a microphone for the financial benefit or enjoyment of others. The outpouring of condolences and prayers offered to our children, Noah and Lucy, has been overwhelming, appreciated and even comforting. But the truth is, like so many other kids, they lost their father years ago. What they truly lost on December 3rd was hope.” Read the full letter here.
Rest in peace.