Tim Buckley | Heroin, Morphine, & Alcohol Overdose Death

On June 29, 1975, the singer-songwriter Tim Buckley died of a drug and alcohol overdose in Santa Monica, California at the age of 28. The cause of death was ruled an alcohol and heroin overdose.

Before his death, Tim Buckley successfully incorporated elements of folk, jazz, funk, and avant-garde into his music. Records such as Goodbye and Hello, Happy Sad, and Greetings From L.A. ranged from straightforward folk rock to critically maligned avant-garde.

Tim Buckley earned comparisons to Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne, but never earned the critical or popular acclaim of these artists.

About Tim Buckley

Born Timothy Charles Buckley III in 1947, news outlets describe Buckley’s upbringing as “ordinary.” Buckley released his debut album in 1966 through Elektra Records, featuring songs that he wrote when he was still in high school.

His following studio albums through the late 1960s and early 1970s would balance his impressive vocals with a variety of sounds. 

With the help of co-writer Larry Beckett, Buckley had the potential to alienate (Lorca), impress (Look At The Fool), or align himself with the mainstream (Starsailor) with each new album.

Tim married Mary Guibert in the late 1960s. The son he fathered with Guibert was the future musician Jeff Buckley, who the senior Buckley did not have a relationship with. 

Buckley left Guibert to pursue his music career, and years later married Judy Sutcliffe, who he remained with until his death.

How Tim Buckley Died

In 1975, Buckley had recently performed a gig to 1,800 attendees in Dallas, Texas. He celebrated by drinking alcohol and mistakenly snorting heroin in Los Angeles with his close friend, Richard Keeling. 

He collapsed upon returning home and was pronounced dead at Santa Monica hospital on June 29.

Keeling was charged with second-degree murder for giving Buckley the drugs that would lead to his death. The charges were downgraded to involuntary manslaughter, to which Keeling would plead guilty and serve 120 days in prison.

Buckley’s death was mourned by his family, close friends, and band members. 

His tour manager Bob Duffy called Buckley’s death a “natural ending” to his life, while musical contributor Jim Fielder suggested Buckley was in the “healthiest [time] of his life” right before his death. Record companies would continue to collect and release unreleased music from Buckley’s life.

Tim Buckley’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

Tim Buckley had a history of drug abuse, but reports from the coroner and his loved ones suggest that Buckley had a cheerful demeanor and no known drug habits shortly before his death. 

It is unknown whether Buckley entered professional rehab programs while his drug use was prevalent.

Recovery Is Possible

Drug overdose can affect people from all walks of life. Professional drug rehab programs can reduce the chances of a fatal drug overdose by offering compassionate care and ongoing support. 

To learn how recovery is possible for you or your loved one, please contact us today.