For a few years in the early 2000s, Aaron Carter was one of the biggest pop stars in the world. His songs “I Want Candy,” “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” and “That’s How I beat Shaq” made him a teen sensation massively popular with young audiences.
Sadly, Carter’s later life was plagued by legal and drug problems, and he suddenly died last November at the age of 34.
The cause of death was not released at the time, but yesterday a toxicology report was released revealing the heartbreaking way the former pop star died.
Aaron Carter – music career
Aaron Carter became a music sensation at a very young age. He was the younger brother of Nick Carter, member of the massively successful boy band Backstreet Boys. Aaron got his start as an opening act for Backstreet Boys, and after landing a record contract he released his first album in 1997 at the age of 9.
His debut album was a success and went gold, and his second album Aaron’s Party (Come and Get It) was even more successful, selling triple-platinum. That album features his best-known songs, including the title track, “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.”
Those songs were huge hits among a young audience and Carter became a teen idol. In the following years, he continued to release music, finished fifth place in season 9 of Dancing with the Stars and appeared in stage musicals like Seussical on Broadway and The Fantasticks.
Aaron Carter – substance abuse and legal troubles
But Carter’s adult life was plagued with substance abuse and legal troubles.
In 2013, he filed bankruptcy to shed more than $2 million in debt, primarily from taxes owed from his years as a teen sensation. In 2019, he revealed on The Doctors that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana charges. Substance abuse left Carter sickly and underweight, and after his DUI arrest he admitted he “hit rock bottom” and checked into rehab, where he got clean and regained weight.
“It’s amazing to see what happened when I just took some time off for myself, looked around and found ways to appreciate life,” he told People in 2018. “I’ve seen a huge change in myself and my attitude and my demeanor and my morale. It’s beautiful.”
In November 2021, he had his first child with fiance Melanie Martin, but months later the couple lost custody, reportedly due to concerns about domestic abuse and drug use. Carter re-entered rehab in an effort to get his child back.
“I haven’t had any relapses or anything like that, it’s just triggers are big right now for me [and] I want my son back,” he told The Sun.
Cause of death revealed
On November 5, Carter was found dead at his home in Lancaster, California. His body was found in the bathtub by his housekeeper.
Days before his death he was reportedly pulled over by police for reckless driving, but passed the sobriety tests.
A cause of death was deferred at the time, pending a toxicology report. But on April 18, 5 months after his passing, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner finally announced his heartbreaking cause of death.
An autopsy revealed that Carter drowned: the pop star was “found submerged under water and unresponsive in his bathtub.”
“Medics responded and pronounced death at the scene,” the report said.
The report also indicated that Carter had taken alprazolam and inhaled difluoroethane, which also contributed to his death. Difluoroethane is a gas commonly found in air spray cleaners that can be inhaled for a brief feeling of euphoria, while alprazolam is an anxiety medication commonly sold as Xanax.
According to the coroner’s report, alprazolam can cause drowsiness and sedation and difluoromethane can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
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The report about Carter’s cause of death did not bring closure to his loved ones. Melanie Martin, Carter’s ex-fiance and mother of his child, says she still has her doubts.
“The results of the autopsy are not closure for me,” she told TMZ. “It claims death is by drowning but also adds he was wearing a T-shirt and necklace in the bathtub which doesn’t make sense, why would he be in a bathtub with clothes on?”
“I am still in shock and still miss Aaron every day. I don’t understand the chain of events and this report only has us asking more questions.”
Kelly K and Holly Davidson, who represented Carter until his death, also raised questions, claiming that two suspicious people were living in his home at the time of his death.
“We are glad this case is finally closed so we can have a celebration of life and send him off to rest,” they told Page Six. “However, we know two people were at his house leading up to his death and are puzzled as to why those two haven’t been properly identified and/or investigated.”
However, police previously stated that there was no evidence of foul play.
What a heartbreaking way to go — it’s clear that Aaron Carter struggled a lot in lot, but he’ll always be fondly remembered by a generation of fans.
Rest in peace, Aaron 💔 Please share this news.