How Did Aaron Carter Die? | Cause Of Death Revealed To Be Drug-Related

Aaron Carter was an American actor and singer also known as the younger sibling to Nick Carter of The Backstreet Boys. Aaron Carter drowned at the age of 34 on November 5, 2022, after inhaling difluoroethane and taking the prescription drug alprazolam.

How Aaron Carter Died

On November 5, 2022, Aaron Carter was found dead in his Lancaster, California home. He was found in the bathtub at 11 a.m. The 34-year-old suffered from several mental health disorders as well as substance abuse issues. 

The cause of death was determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner more than four months after Carter’s passing. 

His death was ruled first as a drowning and second as drug-related to difluoroethane (an inhalant used in compressed air cans) and alprazolam (generic Xanax). The coroner’s report stated that Carter had drowned in the bathtub due to the effects of these substances.

Carter recently completed a rehab program in September 2022. He was an advocate for mental health and shared his difficulties online and in many interviews. 

About Aaron Carter

Aaron Carter was born on December 7, 1987, in Tampa, Florida to parents Robert and Jane Carter. However, the family originally came from Jamestown, New York, the birthplace of the oldest child, Nick Carter from The Backstreet Boys. 

Not to be overshadowed by his famous brother, Aaron Carter began a career of his own by singing “Crush On You” by The Jets in his first solo appearance when opening for The Backstreet Boys in 1997. 

This was followed by a debut album titled Aaron Carter. Afterward, he released another album called Aaron’s Party (Come Get It). This album sold more than three million copies and featured hits such as “I Want Candy” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.” 

Acting Career

In addition to his music, Carter began an acting career in 2001. He guest starred in The Lizzie McGuire Show and also had roles in Sabrina the Teenage Witch as well as 7th Heaven. 

Later in his life, he also took part in Dancing With the Stars as one of the contestants and finished in fifth place. He was also featured on The Doctors. 

Legal Issues

Carter struggled with legal issues later in life and was even arrested in 2020 after a domestic violence incident took place between him and his fiancee Melanie Martin. The two had a child together in November 2021. 

Discography

The following is a list of Aaron Carter’s studio albums:

• Aaron Carter (1997)
• Aaron’s Party (Come Get It) (2000)
• Oh Aaron (2001)
• Another Earthquake (2002)
• Love (2018)

Aaron Carter’s History Of Substance Abuse

During his life, Aaron Carter participated in drug use. In fact, he was quite open about his mental health struggles as well as his substance abuse in several interviews according to CNN. 

In 2008, he was caught with two ounces of marijuana in his car, and in 2017, he was arrested for driving under the influence. 

In addition, Carter starred on the television show The Doctors, which revealed a number of drugs in his system such as benzodiazepines and opioids, both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. 

CNS depressants, when combined, can create serious side effects such as respiratory depression or seizures. Speak with your doctor before combining medications as drug interactions may take place. 

Did Aaron Carter Attend Addiction Treatment?

In 2011, he completed a one-month stay at the rehab center known as Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. In 2017, he later visited another treatment center, the Alo House, located in Malibu, California. 

Carter was publicly open about his mental health issues. In 2019, he revealed he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

On September 22, 2022,  Carter continued to struggle with drug addiction, eventually enrolling in a rehab center. This occurred soon after he lost custody of his son who was 10 months at the time. 

Recovery Is Possible

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use, evidence-based treatment options can help make recovery possible.

At Ark Behavioral Health, we design individualized treatment plans to encourage healthy habits and personal growth. To learn how we treat substance use disorder in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, please contact us today.