The Polk County Medical Examiner's Office announced autopsy results yesterday, revealing that Slipknot bassist Paul Gray died of "an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl," PopEater reports. Gray, aged 38, was found dead May 24 at the TownePlace Suites hotel in Urbandale, Iowa, surrounded by hypodermic needles and pills. Police are currently looking into the origin of the prescriptions, which were not under Gray's name.
The Urbandale Police Department also released a statement which revealed Gray suffered from "significant heart disease."
Shortly after Gray's death, Slipknot held a press conference, all appearing without their masks or costumes. "Paul Gray was the essence of the band Slipknot," drummer Shawn Crahan stated. "Paul was there from the very very beginning and none of us would be on the path we're on right now in life or have the sorts of lives we have without him."
Also known as #2 or "The Pig," Gray was one of the leading songwriters and founding members in the band, which he formed in 1992 alongside Crahan. It wasn't until 1999 did the metal band sign with Roadrunner Records and release their debut eponymous album (which sold more than one million copies), followed by three more albums including their most recent, 2008's 'All Hope Is Gone.'
1. i was devistated wen i found out that one of my fav bands was being torn apart. RIP paul gray.
Posted at 6:40PM on Dec 23rd 2010 by alyssa