Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O’Neill tragically passed away two months ago. At the time, his death was being reported as due to "chronic illness," but that's not the whole story.
TMZ reports they obtained a copy of the autopsy report and it says he died from an overdose of a combination of prescription drugs:
TMZ obtained a copy of O'Neill's autopsy report, and it says he died of intoxication from a mix of methadone, codeine, diazepam (generic Valium) and doxylamine (an antihistamine).
According to the doc, the cause of death is intoxication … but it also mentions other ailments O'Neill was battling … such as mild heart disease, hypertension and moderate hardening of the arteries. The medical examiner determined the death to be accidental.
Paul's family released a statement today confirming the report, saying "the Hillsborough, Florida medical examiner's office has determined the official cause of Paul O'Neill's death as accidental, resulting from an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications to treat his numerous chronic illnesses (including bone augmentation surgery, complications from spinal fusion surgery, heart disease, and hypertension)."
Our thoughts go out to his family.