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Adam Rich may have died of overdose as cops find drug evidence inside 'Eight is Enough' star's LA home

Only a month before his death, Adam Rich hinted about struggling with his drug addiction

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Eight is Enough' star Adam Rich's death is likely to be a result of overdosing, according to the evidence found at the scene by the investigators. The shocking news comes only four days after the former child actor aged 54 was found dead in the bathroom of his Los Angeles apartment on Saturday, January 7, 2023. 

According to TMZ’s law enforcement sources, the manager of Rich’s apartment building found the actor's body in his bathroom during a welfare check after no one had heard from him since Thursday, January 5. The officers also revealed they discovered a “white powdery substance” believed to be drugs at the place of the incident, while also confirming his deceased body had been there for hours before being found. At the time of writing, an official toxicology and autopsy report has not yet been released. Thus, there is no full-proofing of the theory posed by law enforcement. Moreover, no foul play has been suspected in the 54-year-old’s untimely death. 

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Rich, who played the hit character Nicholas Bradford on the ABC show 'Eight Is Enough' stepped away from the Hollywood limelight shortly after the show ended and decided to live as a recluse. Soon after the popular sitcom's wrapping up, the actor, who allegedly grew up with drug addiction, descended deeper into the cycle.

In 1991, Rich was arrested after he allegedly broke into a pharmacy window to steal drugs, reported TV Line. He was later bailed out by actor Dick Van Patten who played the role of his father Tom Bradford in 'Eight is Enough'. Following his arrest in 2002 after crashing into a police car, Rich booked himself in rehab. However, during his 2002 arrest for DUI charges, the famed actor claimed that he had been sober. "I've been sober for 10 years," he told CBS News at the time.

Only a month before his death, Rich hinted about struggling with his drug addiction. "The only thing those suffering from a mental illness know how to do is pretend to be ok," Rich tweeted in mid-December. "Enough! The stigma is killing people. Be yourself. Ok, or not ok, is the only way to create change, & stomp the stigma! Heal your truth!"