According to TMZ.com, toxicology tests have shown Scott Weiland died from an overdose of several drugs and alcohol — and his history of addiction also played a role.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner says the results show the former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER singer overdosed on cocaine, MDA (ecstasy) and alcohol. The report also indicates heart disease and asthma were “significant” conditions. The test results also revealed Scott’s “multi-substance dependence” was a factor.
Weiland was found dead on his tour bus on December 3 at the age of 48.
A small amount of cocaine was found on the bus and Tommy Black, bassist for Scott’s band THE WILDABOUTS, was arrested for possession.
Both STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER issued statements on his passing, while musicians and fans around the world have also posted tributes.
Weiland had a history of drug abuse. He was arrested in 1995 for attempting to buy crack cocaine before being arrested again two years later for heroin possession. In 1999, the singer was ordered to spend a year in a county-jail recovery center due to a probation violation. He also entered rehab following a DUI arrest in November 2007.
STP fired Weiland in February 2013 after reuniting with him in 2010 for a series of tours and one self-titled album. The band had previously been on hiatus since 2002, primarily due to the singer’s struggles with drugs and alcohol. STONE TEMPLE PILOTS then recruited a new frontman, Chester Bennington of LINKIN PARK, and released one critically acclaimed EP, “High Rise”.
Speaking to a Canadian reporter last year, Weiland denied that his “demons” were still a factor as he continued to tour with THE WILDABOUTS. “Past demons are past demons; that’s stuff that I dealt with 14 years ago,” he said. “I mean, I guess Keith Richards [of THE ROLLING STONES] gets asked about [his past drug use], so why shouldn’t I? But it’s not something that I think about, ever. Those days of my dope abuse, and use, are long since by me.”
Weiland’s passing is the second death for THE WILDABOUTS. Back in March, THE WILDABOUTS guitarist Jeremy Brown died as a result of intoxication from multiple drugs. Brown’s death was ruled accidental.
Source: Blabbermouth
