DJ AM's Death Ruled Accidental Overdose

Celebrity DJ Died From Lethal Cocktail of Prescription Drugs and Cocaine, According to Medial Examiner

(AP)  DJ AM died accidentally from a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and cocaine, the medical examiner's office ruled Tuesday.

The toxicology report showed the 36-year-old had in his system cocaine, OxyContin, Hydrocodone or Vicodin, antianxiety drugs Xanax and Ativan, Klonopin which also controls anger, Benadryl, and Levamisole, a drug apparently used to cut cocaine.

The cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects the drugs, the medical examiner's office said. The dosage of each drug was not released.

Photos: DJ AM
Photos: Stars Mourn DJ AM

The celebrity, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, had openly discussed past addictions to crack cocaine, Ecstasy and other drugs.

He was found Aug. 28 in his apartment in New York City's trendy SoHo neighborhood after a friend called 911. Paramedics had to break down the door before they found him, shirtless and wearing sweat pants, in his bed around 5:20 p.m.

Six pills were found in his stomach and a pill in his throat when he was found dead in his apartment. The pill in his throat appeared to be OxyContin. A crack pipe and prescription pill bottles were discovered there.

In October, MTV was to debut his reality show, "Gone Too Far," in which he and concerned families staged interventions for drug abusers. MTV hasn't said whether Goldstein's show will air.

Goldstein was critically hurt in a plane crash last September in Columbia, S.C., that killed four people. He was flying in a Learjet after a performance with Travis Barker, a drummer for the pop-punk band Blink-182 and Goldstein's partner in the duo TRVSDJ-AM.

Barker and Goldstein were burned. Goldstein had to get skin graft surgery but resumed performing about a month later.

Goldstein was known for his mashups - blends of at least two songs. He performed in clubs, on concert stages and at exclusive Hollywood parties. He was famous in part for his personal life - he dated actress-singer Mandy Moore and reality TV star Nicole Richie.

[tpeks40]

He won't do that again...

[tpeks40]

He won't do that again...

[incog-nito]

So it's not his fault after all. He only accidentally swallowed seven different pills and maybe some crack cocaine. What a relief.

[edgy44]

What many may not realize, is the body/brain changes after taking drugs. One lortab might knock you down the first time you take it, but after two days, now you need two. After a week, you need four or five to get the effect of just one when you started. Crack is the same. Every crack addict will tell you, they keep using the drug to get that first high they had. You can't do it, but their brains are so destroyed that they won't give up. Like a drunk, they will lap that crap down until they die. Many say sex addicts are the same way. The deviant sex addict is looking for the high of that first deviant act.

[1notrub11]

Perhaps, but.......

If the prescribed dosage is not working, consult a doctor - there is a reason that a dose limit is set for drugs.

If someone is "out of control" with respect to controlling dosage, then they need other help.

[1notrub11]

Exactly how close to suicide is 7 different drugs plus alchohol?

No doubt, multiple prescription writers. Neither a doctor nor a pharmacist can help a patient with prevention of problematic combinations, without knowing how many "degrees of freedom" the patient is using to get the drugs he/she "needs".

On the other hand, if you need this many and this varied a drug selection to deal with a "problem" you are having, one may want to consider an approach OTHER than drugs.

[edgy44]

The brain is very fragile. We don't teach enough about the human body in grade school, and how the AMA's diploma holders think they are helping you. The reason you need a prescription, is because people die every day eating or injecting that crap. Oh well, his pushers will find new victims.

[jclark7613]

wow...I think most people already knew that. MTV had a intervention show with him and they plan to still air it. Drug and Alcohol abuse is a disease not a choice. Growing up my father was a weekend drunk and I thought it was funny because he was a happy drunk but the older I got I realize it's a disease just like drugs to overcome.

[AttentionDeficit]

jclark: in some cases, it can be a choice. my best friend is an alcoholic (not drinking anymore), and i don't know that it was a choice for him (at least once it got hold of him). however, some folks (normally much younger than i) find it amusing to go out and get trashed. i've been there, it hurts, so i don't do it. plus, many of my friends have DUIs, and i don't want one