An autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has revealed that actor Adam Rich died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in January. The report also stated that Rich had nontoxic levels of alcohol and lorazepam, the generic version of Ativan, in his bloodstream. Rich, who was best known for his role in the television drama-comedy Eight Is Enough, was 54 years old at the time of his death.
Details of Eight Is Enough
Eight Is Enough was a popular television series that aired from 1977 to 1981. The show followed the Bradford family, which consisted of eight children, and detailed their lives as they grew up, got married, and had children of their own. Rich played the character of Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son. The show also starred Dick Van Patten, Lani O’Grady, Connie Needham, and Grant Goodeve.
Adam Rich’s Life After Eight Is Enough
Rich’s other television credits included Code Red, Dungeons & Dragons, Small Wonder, St. Elsewhere, and Baywatch. However, in 1991, Rich was arrested for smashing a pharmacy window to obtain drugs. He was bailed out by his former TV dad, Dick Van Patten. Despite years of rehab, Rich was arrested again in 2002 on charges of driving under the influence after nearly striking a California Highway Patrol car. His final acting credits included a cameo in the David Spade movie Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star and one episode of Reel Comedy where he played Crocodile Dundee. Both were released in 2003.
Accidental Overdose and Death
Rich’s accidental fentanyl overdose was the cause of his death. He was found dead at his Los Angeles area home on January 8, and no foul play is suspected. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills, and can be deadly even in small amounts. The opioid epidemic has been a growing problem in the United States, with fentanyl-related deaths increasing in recent years.
The autopsy report has revealed that Adam Rich died from an accidental fentanyl overdose. Rich was known for his role in Eight Is Enough and had several other television credits throughout his career. Despite years of rehab, he struggled with drug addiction and was arrested multiple times. The opioid epidemic has been a growing problem in the United States, and Rich’s death is a tragic example of its deadly consequences.