'90s kids everywhere were shocked and saddened when they heard about the sudden passing of
former child star Aaron Carter.
Since that tragic day, new details have come to light regarding the circumstances of his
death.
Aaron Carter died from an accidental drowning caused by compressed air and Xanax intoxication
at the age of 34, according to an autopsy report released by the Los Angeles County
Medical Examiner.
USA Today reported that the singer and actor was found unresponsive at his home in Lancaster,
California on November 5, 2022, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prescription pill bottles and cans of compressed air were found nearby.
Carter's autopsy report indicated pulmonary edema and congestion, an often fatal build-up
of fluid in the lungs.
The report lists no life-threatening traumatic injuries, consistent with initial police claims
that there were no signs of foul play.
The former child star was tattooed all over his face and body, and each one was listed
in detail in his autopsy report.
His height is noted to be around 5-foot-6-inches, and he weighed 133 pounds.
Among other major bodily systems, Carter's cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory,
and central nervous systems appeared normal.
Also found in Carter's toxicology report were anti-histamines and quetiapine metabolites.
Quetiapine is an anti-psychotic drug often used to treat bipolar disorder.
Difluoroethane — or compressed gas — is most often used for commercial and industrial
purposes and has an intoxicating effect when inhaled.
It's known to cause heart arrhythmia and sudden cardiac arrest.
Carter had also taken alprazolam — or generic Xanax — a central nervous system depressant.
His autopsy suggests he likely became incapacitated by those two substances, slipped underneath
the bathwater, and drowned.
In the past, Carter spoke openly about his many mental health challenges and substance
use issues.
In 2017, he appeared on the syndicated talk show "The Doctors" and tested positive for
marijuana, opiates, hydrocodone, and benzodiazepines.
He later said that he checked himself in for mental health treatment, according to Entertainment
Tonight.
TMZ also reported that Carter sought substance use treatment on and off until shortly before
his death.
In a 2019 "The Doctors" return appearance, Carter revealed his many mental health challenges,
including multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, acute anxiety, and manic depression, all treated
with prescription medications.
Carter reportedly missed an online rehab therapy session the night before he died, and he was
found when authorities performed a welfare check after fans and friends grew concerned
he'd relapsed.
Also in 2019, Carter came clean about the nature of his "huffing" addiction — a habit
he picked up from his sister, Leslie, who likewise died from an overdose in 2012.
According to Carter, he started doing it when he was just 16 years old.
In Aaron Carter's 2019 "The Doctors" interview, he claimed to buy compressed gas at stores
like Staples and Office Depot using cash so the purchases couldn't be traced back to him.
Carter said he huffed as a sort of self-medication, but he also admitted that the core issue was
a bit simpler than that.
"I was huffing because… because I was really f---ing stupid.
And… sad."
In 2017, Carter said those close to him were gravely concerned for his health, but he later
claimed that his well-being had improved.
After Carter's autopsy results were revealed, Melanie Martin, his ex-fiancee and the mother
of his son, disputed the report, as noted by TMZ.
According to Martin, the fact that Carter was found fully clothed in the bathtub raises
some important questions.
The former child star had a long career in entertainment and came from a large family.
A handful of other Carters have also worked in music, film, and TV.
Most notably, Nick Carter — Aaron Carter's older brother — sang and performed with
the best-selling boy band Backstreet Boys.
The younger Carter's self-titled debut album came out in 1997, and he opened for the Backstreet
Boys while on tour at the age of nine.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Nick honored his brother's memory by writing,
"Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss, but the truth is that addiction
and mental illness is the real villain here.
I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know."
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact
SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).