Michael Alig | Polydrug Overdose Death

Michael Alig was an American club promoter and ringleader of the New York City (NYC) party group known as the Club Kids. As King of the Club, the party promoter featured prominently in the NYC club scene nightlife.

However, Alig struggled with drug abuse throughout his life. He was also convicted of felony manslaughter for the death of Andre “Angel” Melendez.

How Michael Alig Died

Michael Alig died from acute intoxication caused by fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and acetylfentanyl. He was found in his Washington Heights, Manhattan, home by his ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve 2020.

The 54-year-old’s cause of death was officially revealed by the medical examiner, confirming the drug overdose. Alig’s mother stated the overdose was accidental.

About Michael Alig

Michael Alig was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 29, 1966. Alig was harassed and bullied growing up due to his homosexuality.

He later attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, but dropped out to work as a busboy and dancer, joining a group of regulars known as the Club Kids who performed at various venues, spoke at talk shows, and participated in various forms of NYC nightlife.

Club Kids

Some of the Club Kids consisted of:

• James St. James
• Ernie Glam
• RuPaul
• Robert “Freeze” Riggs
• Joshua Davis
• Richie Rich

Alig held parties at the Limelight, Tunnel, and Palladium. Unfortunately, Alig’s party life continued to spiral out of control with drugs and alcohol.

Drugs & Murder

In 1996, Alig participated in the murder of drug dealer Andre “Angel” Melendez due to a confrontation involving drug debt. After a dispute over drugs, Alig, along with fellow Club Kid Robert “Freeze” Riggs killed Melendez.

High on drugs at the time of the murder, the two left Melendez’ body in a bathtub of ice for a few days before dismembering it and tossing body parts in the Hudson River. According to Rolling Stone, Alig served 17 years in prison.

Fiction & Documentary Films

Party Monster, a fictional film based on the true-life events surrounding the murder of Melendez and Alig’s role in the killing, was released in 2003 starring Macaulay Culkin as the infamous Club Kid killer. 

Additionally, a documentary was released about Alig’s life titled Glory Daze: The Life and Times of Michael Alig in 2015.

Michael Alig’s History Of Substance Abuse

Alig’s drug use is highly known due to his prominence in NYC and the club scene. Frequent drug abuse came in the form of cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, or rohypnol.

In 2000, even in prison, he continued with substance use and failed drug tests. Continued use of drugs kept Alig in prison.

Alig failed more drug tests in 2008, which denied him parole. By 2009, Alig became sober.

For years, Alig remained drug-free, but in 2017 he was arrested for smoking crystal meth.

Did Michael Alig Go To Rehab?

Before 1995, Alig was required to attend a rehab facility several times due to drug offenses he incurred. 

However, his substance abuse continued and he was sent to a treatment center again in 1995 by his boss. After leaving prison in 2014, he took part in counseling services as a form of aftercare resource.

Recovery Is Possible

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, it need not end in death or prison time. To learn how we make recovery possible for individuals and families, please contact our 24/7 helpline today.