Aaron Carter: Autopsy report reveals singer's cause of sudden death five months after he died
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: According to a copy of the autopsy report obtained by Page Six, it is revealed that Aaron Carter died due to drowning and the effects of difluoroethane and alprazolam. The report confirmed that the manner of death was accidental, revealing that Carter was 'submerged' in his bathtub after "inhalation of compressed gas and intake of alprazolam."
Singers Whitney Houston and Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries were also determined to have died in their bathtubs by accidental drowning while under the influence. Houston died in 2012 from a drug-related accidental drowning, while the death of O'Riordan in 2018 was ruled a drowning due to alcohol intoxication.
Difluoroethane is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause frostbite and asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Meanwhile, alprazolam is a medication used to treat depression and fear of open spaces. The autopsy report also noted that Aaron had no life-threatening traumatic injuries at the time of his death.
Aaron was found dead at his home in Lancaster, California on November 5, 2022. He was 34. "The family has been notified and will be flying out to Los Angeles. Aaron worked very hard towards the end of his life in recovery, to be a good father and to make amends with his family," said his representative in a statement to Page Six. According to reports, Aaron's housekeeper discovered his body and was 'yelling' when she called 911.
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Aaron's life and struggles
Aaron became famous as a child star in the late 1990s with hits such as 'I Want Candy' and 'That's How I Beat Shaq.' His most recent work was 'Love' which he released in 2018 after a gap of 16 years. He was the younger brother of Nick Carter, a member of the Backstreet Boys. In addition, he appeared on several reality shows, such as season 9 of 'Dancing With the Stars' and, most recently, 'Marriage Boot Camp: Family Edition.' However, with fame came struggles for Aaron, including substance abuse, relationship issues, and mental health problems. In September, Aaron voluntarily checked himself into an outpatient program at a rehab facility in an effort to regain custody of his son, Prince, whom he shared with on-again, off-again fiancée Melanie Martin.
Aaron had previously spoken about his desire to manage his triggers for smoking marijuana and his use of a 'regimented medication' plan to avoid huffing dust. However, just three days before his death, Aaron was pulled over on suspicion of DUI. He was also the subject of a welfare check in late September. Over the years, Aaron had many encounters with the law, including an arrest in Georgia in 2017 on marijuana and DUI charges. In addition to his legal troubles, Aaron's relationship with Martin was tumultuous, with both parties making allegations of abuse against each other.
Tributes to Aaron Carter
Nick paid tribute to his late brother Aaron on Instagram on November 6, sharing a series of throwback photos of them together. “Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded,” the Backstreet Boys member wrote. “I have always held on to the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed.”
Later that evening, Nick paid another tribute to Aaron during a Backstreet Boys concert in London, where he broke down in tears. Despite their complicated past, Martin, Aaron’s fiancée, was photographed crying outside of Aaron’s home after his death. The 30-year-old also posted a photo of her and Aaron kissing to her Instagram Story with the caption, “I can’t breathe.” She later released a statement, saying in part, “I knew he was struggling, and I tried everything to help him. He has a very independent and strong personality, and I couldn’t help him in the way I felt he needed it.” A.J. McLean, Keith Richardson, Hilary Duff, *NSYNC, Paris Hilton, Tyler Hilton, and many other celebrities also paid tribute to the late musician.
Sad to hear about the news of @aaroncarter 😢 He was always kind to my family and I. He had a good heart. Gone way too soon. 😔Sending my thoughts and condolences to his loved ones and family. RIP 🙏
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) November 6, 2022