When Prescription Drug Combinations are Lethal — Famous People Who Overdosed on Legal Drugs, Con’t

In the U.S., approximately 44 persons a day die from a prescription drug overdose. The rate of drug overdoses more than doubled between 1999 and 2010. About half of those additional deaths are via prescription medication, and almost 75% of those deaths involve opioid painkillers like Vicodin and Oxycontin. Here is another list of celebrities who have died from using and abusing prescription drugs.

Heath Ledger (d. January, 2008)

Heath Ledger was an actor famous for his turns in Brokeback Mountain, and released posthumously, The Dark Knight. Prior to his death, accounts by friends and family confirmed that he was a long-time sufferer of insomnia, and more recently, walking pneumonia. Ledger’s toxicology report revealed a combination of several prescription drugs, including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Valium, Restoril, and Xanax. His death was attributed to drug overdose, and although no charges were filed, it was noted in the media that it is generally not acceptable for physicians to prescribe multiple benzodiazapines in addition to opiates. Ledger was 28, and had a 2-year-old daughter whom he adored. He may have been suffering from anxiety, but there was no reason to believe it was so severe that he would intentionally take his own life.

Greg Giraldo (d. September, 2010)

Greg Giraldo was a stand-up comedian and television personality famous for Comedy Central roasts. He had previously struggled with alcoholism but had maintained sobriety, for at least some time. His death was ruled accidental by prescription drugs, but which drugs were involved remains unknown to the public. However, like Thomas Kinkade (see below) there’s speculation that the overdose was intoxication by benzodiazapines (in this case Xanax) and alcohol. Ironically, on the afternoon of his death he was scheduled to appear the 3rd Annual New York Recovery Rally. By all accounts, Greg was happy and successful at the time and did not suffer from serious depression.

Michael Jackson (d. June, 2009)

Michael Jackson, a performer perhaps more famous than even Elvis, met his demise via prescription drugs at age 50. Rumored to have been addicted to painkillers since his head caught fire in 1984, Michael also likely suffered from an addiction to plastic surgery, as well as alcoholism. In June, 2009, Michael’s lifeless body was discovered by his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. He had recently been administered the sedative Propofol and several benzodiazapines, including Valium and Ativan, for anxiety. Murray was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served two years in prison. Jackson’s death was by no means intentional, and this case, criminal charges proved it.

Thomas Kincade (d. April, 2012)

Thomas Kincade, 54, was a painter famous for his idyllic, fairy-tale settings which included cottages, forests, bridges, lakes and rivers, flowers, and the like. In an event no one predicted, Kincade died in his home in April, 2012 from acute intoxication by alcohol and the prescription anti-anxiety medication, Valium. While Kincade apparently did not die by just abusing prescription medication (Valium alone, even in high quantities, it unlikely to lead to death) he brought attention to the dangers of mixing benzodiazapines (even in low doses) and alcohol. Kincade had a history of alcoholism but may have lived had he not been taking Valium at the same time.

Mixing alcohol with prescription drugs, such as those for sedation, anxiety, or pain can cause death. Please do not drink with these prescription medications as advised by your physician.