Brian Adams | Polydrug Overdose Death

Brian Adams was an American professional wrestler known for his involvement with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), now known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). 

Despite a long history of professional wrestling and a boxing career, the superstar struggled with drug abuse.

How Brian Adams Died

Brian Adams passed away at the age of 43 in his Tampa, Florida, home on August 13, 2007. According to the medical examiner, Adams died from a polydrug overdose.

In fact, various drugs were found in his system, including: 

• the sedative alprazolam (Xanax)
• a muscle relaxant known as carisoprodol
• the pain medication buprenorphine

Adams passed away just two months after wrestler Chris Benoit died by suicide before murdering his family. Anabolic steroids were found in his home.

Brian Adams’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

Despite his success in wrestling, Adams struggled in his personal life. In 1995, he was arrested at his Hawaiian home once law enforcement found narcotics and anabolic steroid drugs without prescriptions.

Due to a shoulder injury received in 2002 and a spinal injury which left him unable to continue his career, Adams became addicted to painkillers.

Unfortunately, there are no known instances in which Adams attended a drug rehab or sought addiction treatment.

About Brian Adams

Later known as Brian “Crush” Adams, he was born Brian Keith Adams on April 14, 1964, in Kona, Hawaii. The native Hawaiian found interest in wrestling at a young age.

Wrestling Career

Adams joined Oregon’s NWA Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW) and later participated in Continental Wrestling Association and again in All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1988-1989. He was trained by Antonio Inoki.

From 1996-1997, Adams joined the Nation of Domination (NOD) and fought against Faarooq, part of the Disciples of Apocalypse, a biker faction.

In 2000, Adams formed a tag team with Bryan Clark known as Kronik with both eventually participating in the World Tag Team Championship and going on to become World Tag Team Champions as part of the World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Adams also took part in various events during his wrestling career including Summerslam and Wrestlemania.

Ring Name(s)

Adams was known by several popular ring names, including:

• The Demon
• The Midnight Soldier
• Kona Crush
• Crush
• The American Ninja
• Bryan Adams

Famous Opponents

During his career, Adams fought many other wrestlers such as:

• The Grappler
• The Undertaker
• Smash
• Repo Man
• Kane
• Doink the Clown
• Scott Norton
• Chris Benoit

Adams suffered a spinal injury in 2003 during a match. After retiring, he became a bodyguard for Randy Savage.

Recovery Is Possible

Although Brian Adams died from prescription drug abuse, recovery is possible with professional help and ongoing support. To learn how we make long-term recovery a reality for individuals and families, please contact us today.