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 Deanna Hilbert

Vote down Vote up Report this

Thank God that baby wont have to grow up with a pill poppin dad.

By Gina

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

first of all WHO CARES ? he took his own life
second of all ANOTHER addict dies GOOD One less in this world

By geotavy

Gina, you and Punisher are both IDIOTS!! Even you have addicts in your family! Deny it if you want but it's a fact! Every family in America is plagued by drugs and alcohol abuse. Most addicts will never confide in family because of retards like you. Will you feel the same way when it's your child, parent or sibling? Hope so! That way when it happens, you dont get your feelings hurt when they say,"it's a good thing your junkie kid is dead!" Most addicts don't want to use drugs. They just want to be normal! But hey thats not your problem "YOUR PERFECT"!! And so you know, an opiate addict dont use for the pleasure of getting high, they use so they aren't sick. Opiate withdraw could KILL a person. Almost all opiate addicts that sucessfully get off drugs can only do so under medical supervision. But then most are afraid of what their families (people like you) would treat them like when they know the truth.

By Ted

Amazing to me people are calling people retards and apparently didnt graduate 6th grade to learn to spell. Atrocious LOLOL Hell, 1/2 the people here cant spell worth a lick LMFAO

By Art O'Leary

Another self absorbed fool bites the dust.

By John Q

This could have been easily avoided if he just smoked some pot instead. He would have dozed off and woken up hungry...but at least he would have woken up.

By JC

Obviously some genius publicist came up with this "accidental overdose" bullspit recently, as it is being used as a phrase constantly now everytime some immature, never-grow-up, never be responsible performer dies of an overdose. "accidental" is supposed to make people feel sorry for them....but they do it to themselves. They know what they are doing. It is NOT an "accidental" overdose, it's an idiotic overdose, as in, "I'm too stupid/undisciplined/immature to control my constant search for a better buzz.

By Ocean Soul

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

The listmakers forgot about Pete Steele of Type O Negative. I think he deserves an honorable mention. Rest in peace, Pete.

By George

Why is it a shame? Why feel sorry? Don't try to legitimize his lifestyle just because he is dead now. He cose the road and paid the price. Tell story about the wasted life and the piece of junk he was so that others do not "follow in his glorious footsteps."

By Bob

Accident. Just plain stupid.

By testakel

A man is dead and no matter how he died it is a sad thing not something to be happy about because of the way he died. A person can't spell so there opinion doesn't count. Einstien couldn't spell. Why do we dismiss people for there flaws? I guess most of the people who blog on this site perfect.

By LouF

It's an accident because it wasn't a suicide, dummies. It doesn't matter what he took or how much or what was found around him. Bottom line is he probably wasn't trying to kill himself..that's why it's an accident. The saddest thing about it is that a nice guy like Paul Gray is dead and the rest of you are still alive.

By Dave

Simply sad...dude had a heart condition from hell, i remember my dad having heart disease, its not pretty the pain you witness while someone's heart enlarges...to all you who judge and think you are better than anyone else thats walks the earth YOU ARE WRONG.

By Dean

Anyone surprised?

Page 3 of 3