A whole generation of pop fans grew up on Aaron Carter's hits, including “That's How I Beat Shack” and “Aaron's Party (Come and Get It).” And the singer's unexpected death on November 5, 2022 shocked many.
His body was initially found in the bathtub of his California home, and in April 2023, the Los Angeles County Coroner and Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident. The report said Carter was “incapacitated while in the bathtub” and eventually drowned as the drugs took effect.
Carter is the youngest brother of Nick Carter, who rose to fame with the 1990s boy band Backstreet Boys. Carter enjoyed a career of his own in the same field, producing several hit songs and even touring with his brother's group and Britney Spears. In recent years, the singer had begun to shift his career to rap.
Throughout his life, Carter openly talked about struggling with addiction, substance abuse, and metal health, and seeking treatment. “I'm happy to be out on the other side,” Aaron told PEOPLE in 2018. [Now] I just want to have fun, I want to be healthy, I want to be really responsible for my mind, body, soul, emotions…all of that and my actions. ”
In July 2023, Carter's twin sister, Angel Carter, buried him at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles. She called burying her brother “a final act of love.”
“Losing my twin is an out-of-body experience. He's a part of me,” she tells PEOPLE.
Here's everything we know about Aaron Carter's tragic death.
How did Aaron Carter die?
Carter's body was discovered by her housekeeper in November 2022. At the time, it was not immediately clear how Carter died, but it was assumed that she drowned in the bathtub where her body was found.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office released the official report on Carter's death on April 18, 2023. His cause of death was determined to be drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, a generic version of the brand name Xanax.
The report also showed that Mr. Carter was “incapacitated in the bathtub” under the influence of drugs he had taken, which contributed to his drowning.
When did Aaron Carter die?
Mr. Carter passed away on November 5, 2022. Authorities later revealed that he was found just before 11 a.m., but his identity was not immediately determined.
At the time, one of the singer's representatives only commented, “A statement from the family and management will be released soon. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.''
Where did Aaron Carter die?
Carter's body was found in the bathtub of her home in Lancaster, California.
The singer had put the property up for sale just a month before his death. He tweeted the news, writing, “Selling my 2nd home. Real estate has been great for me. Ready for a new chapter with my 3rd home. Living a great life for my family. “This year has been a great year.” It was tough, but I learned a lot, and I appreciate everyone's support. ”
How old was Aaron Carter when he died?
The singer was 34 years old at the time of his death.
How did friends, family, and fans react to Aaron Carter's death?
After news of Carter's death became public, his brother Nick was one of the first to issue a statement. “My heart was broken today,” he wrote on Instagram. “My brother and I had a complicated relationship, but my love for him never faded. I've been holding out hope that someone will be able to help me.'' ”
Nick continued, “Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for our loss. But the truth is, addiction and mental illness are the real culprits here. I will miss my brother. I love you Chizu. Now I finally have a chance to find the peace I never had here on earth… God please take care of my baby brother. Masu. ”
Aaron's twin sister Angel also released a statement on social media. “To my twin… I loved you beyond measure and will miss you so much. Funny and kind Aaron, I have so many memories with you… and cherish them. I promise you that I know you are at peace. Now I will take you until I die 💔. ”
Carter also leaves behind his fiancée, Melanie Martin, and their then-1-year-old son, Prince. “My heart is completely broken by the passing of my fiancé Aaron. I knew he was suffering and I did everything I could to help him,” she exclusively tells PEOPLE. told. “I will now be raising my son as a single mother. Today is the worst day of my life, but I have to be strong for my son.”
Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan, who dated Carter when they were teenagers, also commented on his death. Duff shared a photo of the two on Instagram and wrote, “I'm so sorry that life has been so hard and you had to struggle in front of the whole world. “Boy, so did I as a teenager.” I love you deeply and at this time I send my love to your family.
Lohan was asked about Carter. entertainment tonightAnd she told the outlet that she remembers her ex-boyfriend fondly. She says: “My heart goes out to his family. May he rest in peace. God bless you…much love out there.”
What questions do you have regarding Aaron Carter's death?
Carter's death was ruled an accident, but some members of his family have questioned the report.
After the cause of death was revealed, Martin told TMZ that the news “isn't the end for me.”
“They claim the cause of death was drowning, but they also add that she was wearing a T-shirt and a necklace in the bathtub, which doesn't make sense. Why would she have been in the bathtub with her clothes on? ?'' she told the outlet. “I'm still in shock and miss Aaron every day. I don't understand the chain of events, but this report only raises more questions.”
In March 2023, the former child star's mother, Jane Schneck, shared graphic photos of Carter's death scene on Facebook, claiming he had been the subject of death threats.
“We are still conducting a full-scale investigation into the death of my son Aaron Carter,” she wrote.
