How did Adam Rich die? 'Eight is Enough' star's cause of death revealed months after his body found in LA home

2023-06-24 17:59

Authorities previously stated that they found white powder upon their arrival, suspecting Rich may have overdosed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Late actor Adam Rich, who was best known for his portrayal of Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son on the television series 'Eight Is Enough', lost his life at the age of 54 due to an accidental fentanyl overdose in January, TMZ reports. According to an autopsy report which has been obtained by the outlet from the LA County Medical Examiner-Coroner, the actor also had non-toxic levels of alcohol and the generic version of Ativan, called lorazepam, in his system.

On January 8, Rich was found dead in his LA home. Authorities previously stated that they found white powder upon their arrival, suspecting he may have overdosed. Police also said that no foul play was involved in Rich's death.

Rich's body was in a 'state of mild decomposition'

As per the autopsy report, the actor's body was in a “state of mild decomposition.” Rich made his first TV debut in a 1976 episode of 'The Six Million Dollar Man' before landing his hit role in 'Eight Is Enough' when he was just eight years old. The show revolved around "a family with eight very independent children," according to an IMDB synopsis. The show ran from 1971 to 1981 and consisted of five seasons. Other credits include 'Code Red' in 1981 and 'Dungeons & Dragons' in 1983. The 'America's little brother' stepped away from acting in the 1980s after he revealed that he did not like being in the limelight.

Rich had a long history of drug abuse

The actor had a long battle with drugs. Rich was only 14 years old when he tried marijuana. At the age of 17, 'The City' actor decided to drop out of high school. He was arrested in 1991 and was accused of pocketing a drug-filled syringe at an LA hospital, where he was treated for a dislocated shoulder. He was later bailed out by actor Dick Van Patten who played the role of his father Tom Bradford in 'Eight is Enough'.

Rich was arrested again in 2002 for driving under the influence of what appeared to be drugs after he drove into a closed highway lane and almost collided with a California Highway Patrol car. In 1996, Rich was part of a "death hoax" which involved the San Francisco magazine Might publishing a story that the former child star had been murdered, reported The Mirror. Interestingly, his tragic demise news was aired with Rich's consent. He had undergone rehabilitation for substance abuse at least three times.