A. A. Allen | Alcohol-Related Liver Failure

On June 11, 1970, Rev. A.A. Allen was found dead in a San Francisco, California hotel room at the age of 59. His official cause of death was reported as alcohol-related liver failure. 

However, recent research suggests that Allen may have died due to an accidental prescription drug overdose.

About A.A. Allen

Before Allen’s death, he was a highly influential Christian evangelist. 

Allen successfully utilized the radio program and television formats during the mid-20th century, using the Bible to preach values such as integration, faith, and divine healing. Many worshipers testified to the healing miracles that occurred in Allen’s Miracle Valley sermons.

Despite Allen’s popularity, suspicions of alcohol addiction plagued his reputation until his sudden death. Disputes of whether Allen was addicted to alcohol or not continue to the present.

Reports Of Acute Alcoholism

As a leading evangelist in the mid 20th century’s healing revival movement, publicized substance abuse from Allen had the potential to hurt his reputation. 

However, Allen may have been dismissed from the pentecostal Assemblies of God fellowship in 1955 due to charges of drunk driving.

Despite the reports of Allen’s acute alcoholism, he continued to succeed. 

After leaving the Assemblies of God, he founded his own healing ministry known as the Miracle Revival Fellowship in Arizona, where he staged tent revivals, claimed to use divine healing for the sick, and integrated his sermons.

Reports of Allen’s acute alcoholism continued until his death in 1970, from contemporaries and successors such as preacher Don Stewart. These claims have been disputed in the decades since Allen’s death, by his family and other sources.

Death & Initial Reporting

On June 11, 1970, A.A. Allen died in a San Francisco, California, hotel room. His official cause of death was first listed as a heart attack, then changed to alcohol-related liver failure.

Allen’s reported cause of death may have affected his legacy in Methodist, Pentecostal, and revivalist circles. The reports of Allen’s alcoholism in the 1950s may have been substantiated by his sudden death.

However, Allen’s family and biographers suggest a different cause of death, one that can help clear Allen’s name of alcohol addiction.

Controversy Over Official Cause Of Death

In the 2017 biography “A.A. Allen & Miracle Valley,” author Steven Phipps attempted to disprove Allen’s stated cause of death. 

While Allen may have had alcohol in his system at the time of his death, sources from the time suggest Allen took prescription drugs due to chronic knee pain.

The alcohol in Allen’s system may have been caused by his prescription drug use. Allen may not have had access to his prescription in San Francisco, looked for alternatives, and accidentally overdosed. 

Phipps also claimed that it was not uncommon to list alcohol use as a cause of death if the true cause was unknown.

Recovery Is Possible

Despite his controversies, the A.A. Allen ministry played a key part in modern Christian evangelism. However, and regardless of the truth in this case, hiding an alcohol or prescription drug can lead to devastating issues. Thankfully, recovery is possible.

If you are abusing alcohol or prescription drugs, you can contact us today to get addiction treatment and reduce your risk of an overdose.