West Arkeen | Opioid Overdose Death

On May 30, 1997, West Arkeen was found dead at his Los Angeles, California, home at the age of 36. His official cause of death was an accidental opiate overdose.

Before his death, Arkeen was best known as a songwriter for legendary rock group Guns N’ Roses. He co-wrote Guns N’ Roses songs such as “It’s So Easy,” “The Garden,” “Yesterdays,” and “Crash Diet.” 

Frontman Axl Rose sometimes referred to Arkeen as the sixth member of the group.

Arkeen may have abused drugs and alcohol during his adult life, but he also may have quit in the years leading up to his death. Prescription painkillers he received from the hospital likely contributed to his relapse and death.

How West Arkeen Died

West Arkeen was found dead at his Los Angeles, California home on May 30, 1997. 

About 2 weeks before his drug overdose death, Arkeen was hospitalized due to an explosion at his home. Arkeen was released from the hospital shortly before his death and sent home with prescription painkillers.

Arkeen’s official cause of death was an accidental opiate overdose. Heroin, morphine, and cocaine were all in his system at the time of his death.

According to Abe Arkeen, West Arkeen had stopped abusing drugs before his hospitalization. However, he was prescribed opiates to deal with the severe pain caused by the explosion, and likely relapsed as a result.

About West Arkeen

Born Aaron West Arkeen in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France, Arkeen moved to San Diego, California, with his brother Abe and father at a young age. Arkeen started playing the guitar from a young age. 

While living in Los Angeles, Arkeen’s musical talents were recognized by Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan, musicians of the then-unknown rock group Guns N’ Roses.

Appetite For Destruction

Arkeen co-wrote the song “It’s So Easy” on Guns N’ Roses legendary rock album “Appetite For Destruction.” 

After “Appetite’s” blockbuster success, he continued to write material for Guns N’ Roses later albums “Use Your Illusion I” and “II,” before forming his own band The Outpatience in 1996.

Arkeen’s co-writer credit on “Appetite” helped him afford lavish cars, parties, and drugs. 

People close to Arkeen believed his substance abuse problem may have worsened after the success of “Appetite for Destruction.” His father’s death in 1988, only one year after GNR’s debut album was released, may have also worsened his mental health.

Did West Arkeen Go To Rehab?

Although Arkeen’s brother Abe claimed West Arkeen had successfully quit drugs, few sources exist to prove or deny this. West may not have had the coping skills or mental health support to avoid relapsing, which may have led to his accidental overdose death.

Arkeen’s friends, family, and peers remembered him fondly. Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash praised Arkeen’s reliability, while Duff McKagan credited Arkeen for influencing GNR’s sound.

Recovery Is Possible

An accidental opiate overdose cut Arkeen’s high-profile, yet short-lived career short. Misusing prescription drugs can be dangerous and even life-threatening. However, recovery is possible when you reach out for help.

To learn about our opioid addiction treatment options, please contact us today.