Young Stars and Drug Overdose

Amy Winehouse, songwriter and singer, was found dead in her London home on July 23, 2011. The cause of Winehouse’s death remains unknown, however, it is reported to be associated with drug addiction. Amy Winehouse died at age 27.

 Brittany Murphy, actress and singer, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on December 20, 2009. Pneumonia, anemia and drug intoxication was he cause of Murphy’s death according to the Los Angeles coroner. Murphy died at age 32.

Adam Goldstein (DJ AM), DJ/record producer/musician, former fiance of Nicole Richie, was found dead at his New York City apartment on August 28, 2009. The New York medical examiner concluded, “"We've done the testing and investigation in conjunction with the NYPD and in our opinion this was an accidental overdose rather than suicide.” DJ Adam died at age 36.

Heath Ledger, actor, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment by his housekeeper and masseuse on January 22, 2008. The New York City chief medical examiner’s office cited drug intoxication as the cause of his death.

 “Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine.” Heath died at age 28. Read more

Brad Renfro, American actor, found dead in his Los Angeles apartment on January 15, 2008. Renfro died at age 25 from heroin overdose.

River Phoenix, film actor and teen icon, died at age 23 from an overdose of heroine and cocaine. He collapsed and died outside Viper Room, a Hollywood nightclub on Sunset Strip on October 31, 1993.

 Bridgette Andersen, best known for role in Savannah Smiles, died at age 21 on May 18, 1997 from alcohol and drug overdose.