Bruce Berry | Heroin & Cocaine Overdose Death

Bruce Berry was a professional roadie for the musical group Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He also participated as a roadie for individual members of the folk rock supergroup.

Unfortunately, Berry died of a heroin and cocaine overdose in 1973. He was 23.

About Bruce Berry

Bruce Berry was born on August 3, 1950. Jan Berry was his brother and one half of the musical duo Jan and Dean. Before becoming a roadie, Berry worked at the Studio Instrument Rentals (S.I.R.), a store in Los Angeles owned by his brother Ken.

Berry was known for loading the instruments in his trademark white Ford Econoline van. Berry loaded all instruments in his van, participating in various gigs throughout the years.

Berry was the roadie for David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young (known as the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young). Afterward, Berry moved to England to primarily work with Stills.

Berry later moved back to the United States. After his death, Neil Young carried on the memory of Bruce Berry in the title track from Young’s studio album Tonight’s the Night.

How Bruce Berry Died

On June 4, 1973, just a month shy from his 24th birthday, Bruce Berry died of an overdose. The overdose was caused by a mixture of cocaine and heroin.

Bruce Berry’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

While in England, Danny Whitten from the band Crazy Horse introduced Berry to heroin. In November 1972, Whitten passed away from a drug overdose at the age of 29.

Berry continued heroin use until his death the following year, and it’s unlikely he ever attended rehab because he sadly never had the chance.

Recovery Is Possible

Bruce Berry died at a tragically young age. Although hard drugs like heroin and cocaine increase the risk of overdose, recovery is possible when you reach out for help, participate in professional services, and build a lasting network of support.

To learn how we help individuals and families, please contact us today.