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Coroner: Renfro Overdosed on Heroin

Posted Feb 8th 2008 5:08PM by TMZ Staff

In a sad conclusion to a tragic life, the Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that actor Brad Renfro died from an accidental overdose of heroin.

The cause of death was ruled "acute heroin/morphine intoxication," and the drugs were injected, according to the coroner's office. "The final manner of death has been ruled an accident," the coroner reported. The 25-year-old former child actor was found dead in his L.A. home on January 15.

TMZ was at a court hearing last August when Renfro told a judge he was trying to get his life back together and get clean. He had been scheduled to return to court on February 27 for a status check.

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46. accidental and heroin dont belong in the same sentence.

Posted at 6:58PM on Feb 8th 2008 by Crazylegs

47. accidental overdose?? when you take heroin, its not accidental, this is just another loser druggie who died, shame on the author!!!!!

Posted at 7:41PM on Feb 8th 2008 by george

48. Experienced IV drug users frequently accidentally overdose, especially if they've been trying to stay clean for awhile and then shoot some more dope. I personally know of 2 people this has happened to...To all of those people who want to berate the dead for being addicts, know that addiction is a disease. It is not a choice. Drugs are extremely hard to get off of. Brad's story is tragic. He left behind a little son who he loved very much and we will be without his talent and humor. I am very sad today...

Posted at 8:04PM on Feb 8th 2008 by mishy

49. Look, for people who need an education on "manner of death". Here it goes. There are only four options a coroner can list a "manner of death" as, "accident, homicide, suicide or natural".

Obviously not all people who do drugs are wanting to end their life, so it is NOT suicide. The coroner would have some proof of the persons intent to kill themself to put suicide.

Sure, doing drugs is risky. So is driving down the road 80 mph, driving a motorcycle with a helmet.. even drunk driving. You could die from many things in life that are "risky" behaviors.. Does it mean the person INTENDED to kill themself? No.

So, yes. Since there isn't proof that he was forced to take the drugs, therefore, murdered...

and since there wasn't enough evidence to conclude he INTENTIONALLY wanted to kill himself, IE suicide...

and since it wasn't natural causes..

THE MANNER OF DEATH IS AN ACCIDENT.

I feel SO much better now that I have given you all autopsy 101 course.

By the way, I would hate to be a lot of you people ----- some of you are just hateful and mean spirited.. you better hope that if you have kids one day, they do NOT turn out to be into drugs--- because karma is a beotch like that.

Posted at 8:18PM on Feb 8th 2008 by Joey

50. I send this little note out to all of who have shown the sympathy, love and compassion for both Brad and Heath. I didn't know Brad, however I did have the the honor of meeting Heath a year ago. He was as down to earth as one of us. I am not in the business of Hollywood, he knew it, yet he was as normal as you or I...May they both REST FOREVER IN PPEACE

Posted at 5:35PM on Feb 9th 2008 by julielynne

51. Just another dead junkie who p*ssed away an opportunity.

His family will have to live with the fact the guy made stupid choices and died a junkie on heroin like street trash.

Posted at 11:32AM on Feb 15th 2008 by Jimsc

52. I THINK WHEN YOU TRIP AND FALL ON YOUR ASS IT'S CALLED AN ACCIDENT THIS FOOL KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING, HE WANTED TO FLOAT AND HE GOT HIS WISH.

Posted at 10:04PM on Feb 8th 2008 by LORRAINE

53. Who was he?

Posted at 6:49AM on Feb 9th 2008 by Me

54. I'm still in shock that he's gone.

Posted at 10:44PM on Feb 8th 2008 by barb the office lady.

55. Who in the world is Brad Renfro?

Posted at 11:14PM on Feb 8th 2008 by TankGirl

56. Sadly his grandmother that raised him just passed away as well about a week ago. My heart and prayers go out to his family who tragically have lost two family members so close together.

Posted at 11:17PM on Feb 8th 2008 by KimmieB

57. Not surprised by the findings. What a shame, R.I.P.

Posted at 11:29PM on Feb 8th 2008 by 5678

58. The saddest thing of all is that Brad was still a damn good actor. He recently appeared in an episode of my favorite show: Law and Order: Criminal Intent. He was a very good villain. For anyone with a heart it is another sad day.

Posted at 12:25AM on Feb 9th 2008 by Brian Keith O'Hara

59. Hey T-Bone ahole! Lets see what is your position in life! Um, loser! Who are you to judge! What happened to your heart!

Posted at 12:00AM on Feb 9th 2008 by blonds1

60. Addiction is an awful disease. He was trying his best to stay clean. This does not change my opinion of him. He was an amazing actor/musician. So talented! I love Bully, The Cure, and more! I will always be a fan of Brad!

Love you, Brad, always and forever! You will be missed and remembered! Rest in peace, Brad!

Posted at 12:58AM on Feb 9th 2008 by Heather

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