Eight Is Enough star Adam Rich’s autopsy report reveals he died of a FENTANYL overdose

Adam Rich, who starred as the youngest son on popular series Eight Is Enough, has died of a drug overdose.

The former child star died of an overdose of the opioid drug fentanyl, which has been implicated in numerous deaths across the country in recent years.

According to the LA County medical examiner’s autopsy report, which was obtained by TMZRich’s overdose death was accidental rather than intentional.

The report also noted that he had non-toxic levels of alcohol and lorazepam – also known by its brand name Ativan – in his system.

A family member previously announced that the former actor died at his home in January this year at the age of 54..

Law enforcement insiders had previously said TMZ that investigators were looking at an overdose as a possible cause of death.

Police reportedly found white powder they suspected to be drugs at Rich’s home, and he reportedly had drug problems in the past.

The manager of his building allegedly discovered Rich’s body in his bathroom two days after someone last heard from him. He reportedly performed a health check due to the lack of communication.

Law enforcement initially believed Rich had been dead for some time before his body was found.

Previously, the family member who announced Rich’s death did not specify a cause, but law enforcement sources said it did not appear to be foul play.

Adam has starred in a number of projects throughout his career, which began after he was cast in the late 1970s ABC sitcom Eight Is Enough as Nicholas Bradford, when he never was only eight years old.

The series, which aired for five seasons, followed “a family with eight very independent children.”

After the show, he made guest appearances on Code Red, which ran for one season, and served as a voice actor for Dungeons And Dragons. He also worked on the 1997 film The City.

However, Rich decided to largely distance himself from Hollywood and the entertainment industry in the 1980s to stay out of the limelight and opted for a more private life instead.

Child star: A family member previously announced the former actor died at home on Saturday aged 54; pictured right in 2019 in Hollywood; photographed in Park City, Utah around Christmas 2020

Tragic: The former child star died of an overdose of the opioid drug fentanyl, which has been implicated in numerous deaths across the country in recent years; depicted as a child

Notable role: Adam has starred in a number of projects throughout his career, which began after he was cast in the late 1970s ABC sitcom Eight Is Enough at the age of eight.

Rich was born in 1968 and has lived most of his life in Los Angeles. His career took off when he began studying with a drama teacher at Chatsworth High School, who had also taught stars such as Top Gun, Batman Forever and Heat star Val Kilmer.

Among his final credits was the 2003 comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, in which he played a version of himself.

Rich is also believed to have been linked to drug addiction, and he was arrested in 1991 after breaking a pharmacy window to steal drugs, according to TV line.

Dick Van Patten, who played his father Tom Bradford in Eight Is Enough, reportedly bailed him out after the arrest.

The following year, in 1992, the late actor enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program. He was later arrested in 2002 for a DUI, but he denied the charges, according to CBS News. “I’ve been sober for 10 years,” he said at the time.

When he was just 14, Rich tried marijuana, then dropped out of high school when he was 17.

In 1996, the former child star was part of a “death hoax” involving San Francisco publication Might. The magazine publishing a story – with Rich’s consent – that he was murdered, reported The mirror.

One of the magazine’s writers and co-founders, future novelist Dave Eggers, wrote humorously about the incident in his own 2000 metafictional memoir A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius.

Shortly after news of his death was confirmed by law enforcement and a TMZ family member, Rich’s fans took to social media to express their sadness and condolences to his family. .

Eight is Enough: Dianne Kay, Rich, Connie Needham, Laurie Walters, Willie Aames, Lani O’Grady, Susan Richardson, Grant Goodeve, Dick Van Patten and Betty Buckley pictured on the show

Moving away from Hollywood: However, Rich moved away from Hollywood and the entertainment industry in the 1980s for a more private life

Drug addiction: When he was just 14, Rich tried marijuana, then dropped out of high school at age 17; seen on Fantasy Island in 1982

Talented: His career took off when he began learning from a drama teacher at Chatsworth High School, who had also taught stars such as Val Kilmer; seen with Full House star Lori Loughlin in 1985

Last movie: One of the actor’s last credits was the 2003 comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, in which he played himself

One fan wrote in a tweet, ‘I was a big, no, a big fan of #EightIsEnough, this is heartbreaking. #RIP #AdamRich.’

Adam Baldwin, known for starring in the Chuck series and the movie Full Metal Jacket, expressed his sadness and wrote, “RIP Adam Rich.”

American filmmaker and actor Jay Duplass wrote in a heartfelt tribute on Twitter, “they don’t do them like they used to RIP Adam Rich”, followed by a black heart emoji and a throwback photo of the late actor in his childhood.

Another social media user wrote, “Very sad to hear of Adam Rich’s passing.” He was a welcome guest in my house every week when I was growing up. My condolences to his loved ones. Rest in power.