'Street Outlaws' Mechanic 'Kentucky' Chris Ellis Dead at 39
'Street Outlaws' 'Kentucky' Chris Ellis Dead at 39 ... Apparent Heroin OD
UPDATE
11:36 AM PT -- Chris died of an apparent heroin overdose … according to the police report. Cops say they were called to his residence on the night of Sept. 9 and found him dead, possibly for “several days.”
UPDATE
The report says Chris was found slumped forward with his head laying on a table with a metal spoon, a liquor bottle, and a syringe nearby. Inside the syringe was a small amount of a dark liquid the officer noted as “consistent with heroin.”
UPDATE
According to the report … Chris’ roommate told cops he last saw him 2 days before he was found dead, and he attempted to check on him several times but his door was closed and locked. The roommate says he contacted 2 mutual friends to come over and get the locked door open, and that’s when they discovered he was deceased.
UPDATE
Cops say the roommate knew Chris had a drinking problem but was unaware of any drug issues, but the 2 friends claimed they knew Chris had both drinking and opiate problems.
UPDATE
Police say there were no signs of foul play.
Christopher Scott Ellis -- a fan favorite on Discovery's "Street Outlaws" known by his nickname "Kentucky" -- has died in Oklahoma City ... TMZ has learned.
The OKC Medical Examiner tells us Chris died on September 9 and the initial autopsy was inconclusive. We're told a toxicology report is pending. According to his obituary, he passed away at his home.
Chris, who hails from -- you guessed it -- Kentucky, was a cast member on the inaugural season of "Street Outlaws" in 2013 but continued to make appearances as a mechanic over the years. He last appeared on a 2018 episode.
"Kentucky" was featured as part of the team at the Midwest Street Cars Automotive in Oklahoma City and coworkers remember him for his hard work and sense of humor.
His family says, "Chris was a dearly-loved brother, son, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him."
Chris is survived by his mother, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
He was 39.
Originally published -- 10:51 AM PT
