Andrew “Test” Martin | Oxycodone Overdose Death

The Canadian professional wrestler Test is known for his participation in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He passed away at the age of 33 from an accidental overdose of the prescription drug oxycodone.

How Test Died

On March 13, 2009, only four days shy of his 34th birthday, Test was found dead in his Tampa, Florida, apartment. Based on the toxicology report, the cause of death for Test was an accidental overdose of oxycodone (an opioid painkiller).

However, it was also revealed that Test suffered from severe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This condition is related to concussions, leading to mental health struggles such as depression or serious mood swings.

In fact, fellow wrestler Chris Benoit was diagnosed with CTE which contributed to his death in 2007.

About Test

Andrew “Test” Martin’s real name was Andrew James Robert Patrick Martin. He was born in the town of Whitby in Ontario, Canada, on March 17, 1975. The WWE wrestler made his debut in October 1998.

Throughout his career as a professional wrestler, Test was trained by various coaches including Bret Hart, Dory Funk Jr., and Leo Burke. Test also used other ring names such as Martin Kane, Big Foot, and T.J. Thunder.

WWF

Test first debuted in the WWF as a bodyguard for the heavy metal band Motley Crue. Beginning in December 1998, Test joined The Corporation and competed against the Pro Wrestling WWF Champion The Rock and Triple H.

Later in 1999, Test assisted Shane McMahon in Wrestlemania XV during the European Championship. Later, during SummerSlam, Test began an on-screen relationship with Stephanie McMahon.

Afterward, he formed a professional wrestling tag team known as T & A for Test and Albert. As partners, they participated in the Survivor Series as well as the 2001 Royal Rumble.

Championships & Other Appearances 

Test continued to compete in numerous championships including Smackdown, the WWF Hardcore Championship, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship. 

Test became well-known for winning the WCW and WWF Tag Team Championship with Booker T, another professional wrestler. The two defeated the Brothers of Destruction in a match.

Afterward, Test and Booker T went on to win the Tag Team Championship against The Rock and Chris Jericho. Over the course of his career, Test fought against Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero.

For a short period, Test had an on-screen storyline with girlfriend Stacy Keibler. In 2005, Test received the Big Foot ring name because of his famous finishing move known as the “big boot.”

Test played in the ECW World Championship episodes which aired on Sci-Fi. In 2007, he dated Kelly Kelly.

Late in his career, Test wrestled for the TNA at Hard Justice as “The Punisher.” He then went to Japan to compete against Lance Hoyt and Mitsuya Nagai.

Test’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

Test had a history of several instances of substance use. In September 2007, he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Hillsborough County, Florida.

In addition, he was later arrested in April 2008 in Pasco County, Florida, for another DUI. He was also suspended from the WWE for violating the Wellness Program due to his drug use.

Test entered a rehab center in West Palm Beach, Florida, in August 2008 for drug and alcohol treatment. Unfortunately, months later Test passed away from an overdose.

Recovery Is Possible

Addiction is a lifelong disease, and aftercare resources can help former patients maintain recovery and sustain habits for a healthy lifestyle.

To learn how we make recovery from drug and alcohol addiction possible, please contact Ark Behavioral Health today.