Singer Bobby Brown has suffered a number of losses in his lifetime that stem from issues
with drug abuse. In 2012 he lost his ex-wife Whitney Houston in an accidental drowning
due to heart disease and cocaine use. Just three years later, the former couple's only
child together, Bobby Kristina Brown, died at age 22 after being taken off life support
following her accidental drowning from drug intoxication. Brown said in a 2018 interview
with the Associated Press,
"You never really get over it. I go through it every day. Just the thought of her and
looking at my youngest daughter and my other kids, knowing they'll never get to know their
oldest sister is a struggle. It gets rough sometimes. Of course, I have to go through
it because I can't change it."
On New Year's Day 2020, Bobby Kristina's former boyfriend Nick Gordon, whom she was dating
at the time of her death, passed away from an accidental heroin overdose. After three
close drug-related deaths, the "My Prerogative" singer suffered yet another blow when his
son Bobby Brown Jr. passed away on November 18th, 2020 at age 28.
Not much was known about Bobby Jr.'s cause of death at the time, other than he was experiencing
flu-like symptoms at the time. But a toxicology report released the following year would confirm
the unfortunate pattern of drug-related deaths surrounding Bobby Brown.
In March 2021, a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Bobby
Brown Jr. died from a fatal combination of alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl. A witness
told police that Bobby Jr. was drinking tequila and snorted half a Percocet and cocaine before
his death.
However, at the time of his passing, no drugs were found at the scene and no foul play was
suspected. His family had shared how ill he was feeling leading up to his death. However,
it was confirmed that he did not have COVID-19 when he died.
Bobby Brown Sr. has shared his past struggles with drug addiction — something he says
took time to get over.
"It just takes over you. It takes over your mind, your spirit, your everything. I wasn't
living for myself. I was living just to, y'know, get high again."
But, after losing his second child to drug abuse, Bobby Brown was left heartbroken. He
told Us Weekly,
"Losing my son at this point in our lives has devastated my family. There are no words
to explain the pain."
Bobby Brown Jr. was pursuing a musical career like his father. Bobby Jr. showcased his music
on Instagram, dropping teasers and promoting his work, to much encouragement and enthusiasm
from fans. His song "Heart On Ice," hit YouTube on March 24th, 2020.
On November 26th, 2020, his elder brother, Landon, shared a photo on Instagram to commemorate
Bobby Jr.'s birthday. Landon captioned the photo:
"I miss you... I'll teach our siblings to be free like you tried to show me to be....
I will work my hardest to be as peaceful as you.... I'll remember that you are forever
at my side..... I'll be the King....I love you Brother......"
While Bobby Jr.'s death was reported as accidental, the Los Angeles Police Department has opened
a criminal investigation because of the narcotics, according to TMZ. However, the outlet noted
that no arrests have been made as of yet. As CNN adds, there were no findings of internal
injuries in his body.
Police have been interviewing those who were with Bobby Jr. before he died, including his
girlfriend, Anna Reed, and other witnesses. While alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl were
found in his system, there was no drug-related paraphernalia found in his Los Angeles home.
Bobby Jr.'s girlfriend found him unresponsive in his bedroom. She called paramedics, who
declared him dead. In response to Bobby Jr.'s death, Reed tweeted,
"The heavens gained an angel but I lost my soulmate."
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental health, please
contact SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).