Adam Rich's cause of death has been confirmed.
Rich died on January 8 from “the effects of fentanyl,” according to a report from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office. The report listed his cause of death as an accident.
Rich was just 54 years old when he was found dead in his home earlier this year. His cause of death was initially deferred pending further investigation, but law enforcement officials claimed there were no signs of criminal activity when the actor's body was discovered, TMZ reported.
Rich was best known for appearing on the 1970s television show 8 is enough He plays Nicholas Bradford, the youngest son of Tom Bradford (Dick Van Patten) and his wife (Diana Hyland).
Other career highlights include appearing on the ABC show code red in 1981 and 1983 Dungeons & Dragons, where he voiced the teenage wizard Presto the Magician. He also appeared in a TV movie spin-off in the '80s. Eight is Enough: Family Reunion and 8 is enough for a wedding.
He joked to PEOPLE that he was 18 years old when production on the film began, making him “less cute” compared to the original series.
Rich's 8 is enough In the days following the news, his co-stars mourned his death and revealed that he maintained a close friendship with the child star even into adulthood.
Willie Ames, who played Rich's younger brother on the family show, wrote an emotional post on Facebook about their friendship. “this morning [my wife] “Winnie woke me up with the heartbreaking news that Adam Rich had passed away,” he wrote. Adam was more than just a colleague. He was truly my only brother. A lifelong friend. ”
Ames also revealed in another part of his statement that Rich was considering a return to acting before his death. “For the past few years, Adam has had dreams of renewing his career. He was one of the child actors that our generation will always remember.”
Co-star Grant Goodeve opened up to PEOPLE about how his time with Rich “fueled” his exploration of fatherhood.
“My wife Debbie and I brought Adam home to Vermont the week of Christmas 1977,” he said. “We had such a great time and he was a big hit with all of our family and friends!” he continues. “We also taught him to ski, and he learned quickly. So inspired by our time with Adam, Debbie and I decided we wanted to have children and got married the following spring. did.”
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His on-screen stepmother Betty Buckley also paid tribute to him on Instagram: “Adam Rich was a light and my young friend through all seasons. I was blessed to have worked with him.” expressed. 8 is enough. I adore him and loved working with him in our scenes together on the show. He was a very kind, funny, refreshing and natural person. He brought so much joy to all of us on the show and to the viewers. Adam and I have remained friends for many years now. His love and support has always meant a lot to me. ”
