Coroner Reports: Aaron Carter's Death in Bathtub Caused by Xanax and Huffing Compressed Air

The Los Angeles Country Medical Examiner-Coroner has determined that singer Aaron Carter died from drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam. Difluoroethane is commonly found in cans of compressed air, while alprazolam is the generic form of Xanax.

A report obtained by PEOPLE states that Carter was incapacitated by the drugs while he was in the bathtub, causing him to slip under the water and drown. TMZ was the first to report the news of his death, which occurred on November 5th when he was found in his home in Lancaster, California.

At the time of his death, police sources reported that prescription pills and drug paraphernalia were found in his bedroom. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death around the world, with alcohol use being involved in nearly one in four emergency department visits for drowning.

Whitney Houston and Dolores O'Riordan are among other singers who have also died due to accidental drowning while under the influence of drugs. Carter, who had faced legal troubles and struggled with addiction throughout his life, released his fifth and final album, LØVË, in 2018.

Following his death, Carter's older brother Nick and twin sister Angel released emotional statements. Nick wrote, "Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded." Angel wrote, "To my twin...I loved you beyond measure. You will be missed dearly."

A source close to Carter claimed that he never fully dealt with the deaths of his sister Leslie and father Robert, both of whom passed away in recent years. Despite seeking treatment for his addiction, he was pulled over for suspicion of DUI less than a week before his death.