Slipknot Bassist Autopsy Reveals Accidental Overdose

By PopEater Staff Posted Jun 22nd 2010 08:14AM

The May 24 death of 38-year-old Paul Gray, bassist in Iowa metal act Slipknot, left his fans and eight bandmates stunned. The Polk County Medical Examiner's Office now reveals Gray died of "an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl," the Des Moines Register reports.

Gray, who was found surrounded by hypodermic needles and pills in a hotel room, did not have prescriptions for the drugs and police are investigating where he obtained them. The autopsy also revealed Gray suffered from "significant heart disease," according to a statement released by the Urbandale Police Department.

Gray co-created the mega-successful Slipknot, known for wearing wild masks in performances and public appearances, in 1995.

The Des Moines Register notes Gray spoke of near-death experiences with heroin in a 2008 interview with metal magazine Revolver.

"We feel very comfortable that this was more than likely an accident," Urbandale Police Sgt. Dave Disney told the Iowa newspaper.

Slipknot held a press conference shortly after Gray's death, appearing without their masks or costumes. Gray's wife, Brenna, joined the eight band members and announced she was pregnant with their first child.

"Paul Gray was the essence of the band Slipknot," percussionist Shawn Crahan commented. "Paul was there from the very very beginning and none of us would be on the path we're on right now in life or have the sorts of lives we have without him."

"The only way I can sum up Paul Gray is love," vocalist Corey Taylor added.

Slipknot's self-titled album sold more than one million copies in 1999 and the band won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Metal Performance for their single, 'Before I Forget.' The group's latest release, 2008's 'All Hope Is Gone,' debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's album chart.

Tags: Paul Gray, Slipknot

Comments

(54)

Tuesday 22 June

By Cat

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How is it accidental? It states it very clearly in the article..."Gray, who was found surrounded by hypodermic needles and pills in a hotel room, did not have prescriptions for the drugs." You buy drugs not perscribed to you, illegal. You choose to take them and continue to take more then you die. How is any of that an accident. It's wasn't an accident. Although I feel sad and sorry for his loved ones.

By Shellfish789

When sertain people do things it is never their fault...and is is always an accidental deed...while if other people do the same thing...it would have been shameful

Wednesday 23 June

By Julie

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By accidental they mean not suicide.

By Karine

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I full heartedly agree with you.. No matter what how stupid can anyone be to say: Thank God it was an accident." No one realized he was a junkie? Not the kind of "frends" I'd like to have ...

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By bob

yep, "shocked" this guy was an addict! shocked I tell you!
how do you tell accidental OD from not so accidental OD?

By The Punisher

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One less junkie is a good thing. Period!

By mark

i hope youl never lose a kid to drugs if you did you might change your tune

By LARRY

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The Punisher, One less mindless person is a good thing. PERIOD !

By TOM

Punisher, Your stupit ! PERIOD !

By snake plissken

Calling this guy (The Punisher) stupid, is an insult to stupid people.

By Nathan

One less cold person (Punisher) is a better thing.

By pelican

This guy wanted a better buzz than the one before and he paid for it with his life. It was no accident.

By jennifer

by accidental they are referring to the fact it was not suicide.
in medical terms, if he took the drugs not intending to die then it was accidental death.
please remember there is a woman now left pregnant with her first child and a family who have lost someone.

He should of thought about them...........not us!

By Crusty

I agree with what you say. How could I not. Adding to what you wrote, i want to remind people that this could happen to them personally or to a family member. And to stay away from drugs. All addicts wish they could go back to that 2 second period before they tried drugs. None of them thought they'd be junkies or overdose.

By Crystal

Couldn't have said it better, Jennifer.

By Gina

People don't take drugs to overdose. They take them to get high. "Accidentally" means he didn't just do a whole bunch of drugs with the intention of dying. He accidentally took too much and died.

By rosemarie

how do you accidently take too much?? this is how this works people, people make choices in their lives, not always good ones. Drugs vary from dealer to dealer he got stronger drugs apparently from this last dealer. Its no accident you took it , the needle didnt fall on your arm, it was by choice, the accident in this all is he left behind a wife with a baby on the way...

By Good Person

What a freakin shame people have these addictions and can not get a hold on life....he had talent, fame and likely money but could not be saved from himself!

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