Bobby Brown Jr.'s Cause Of Death Finally Revealed

Singer Bobby Brown has suffered a number of losses in his lifetime that stem from issues with drug abuse. It was 2012 when he lost his ex-wife Whitney Houston in an accidental drowning due to heart disease and her cocaine use, via the Washington Post. Just three years later, the former couple's only child together, Bobby Kristina Brown, died at age 22 after being taken off life support following her accidental drowning from drug intoxication, via BBC. "You never really get over it," he said about his daughter's passing, via Billboard. "I go through it every day," he said. "Just the thought of her and looking at my youngest daughter and my other kids, knowing they'll never get to know their oldest sister is a struggle. It gets rough sometimes. Of course, I have to go through it because I can't change it."

On New Year's Day 2020, Bobby Kristina's former boyfriend Nick Gordon, whom she was dating at the time of her death, passed away from an accidental heroin overdose, via The Hollywood Reporter. After three close drug-related deaths, the "My Prerogative" singer suffered yet another blow when his son Bobby Brown Jr. passed away in November 2020 at age 28, via CNN. Not much was known about Bobby Jr.'s cause of death at the time, other than he was experiencing flu-like symptoms at the time. But a toxicology report released the following year would confirm the unfortunate pattern of drug-related deaths surrounding Bobby Brown. 

In March 2021, a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Bobby Brown's son Bobby Jr. died from a fatal combination of alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl, via TMZ. A witness told police that Bobby Jr. was drinking tequila and snorted half a Percocet and cocaine before his death. However, at the time of his passing, no drugs were found at the scene and no foul play was suspected. His family had shared how ill he was feeling leading up to his death. However, it was confirmed that he did not positive for COVID-19 when he died. 

Bobby Jr.'s passing is just the latest in a string of tragic drug-induced losses that have plagued rapper Bobby Brown. For his part, the former New Edition member has shared his past struggles with drug addiction — something he says took time to get over. "Jail got me to stop taking drugs," he revealed on The Dr. Oz Show, via ABC News. "I never wanted to go back to jail. I didn't want to be incarcerated ever, ever again." But, after losing his second child to drug abuse, Bobby Brown was left heartbroken. "Losing my son at this point in our lives has devastated my family," the "Every Little Step" singer told Us Weekly. "There are no words to explain the pain."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental health, please contact SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Bobby Brown Jr. was pursuing a musical career like his father, according to USA Today. Bobby Jr. showcased his music on Instagram, dropping teasers and promoting his work, to much encouragement and enthusiasm from fans.

His song "Heart On Ice," featuring Young Opb and Ben Jayne, hit YouTube on March 24, 2020 and the reaction was hugely positive. "totally vibing to this one," one fan wrote in the comments. "Something unique every time he drops," another commented on Bobby Jr.'s work. Another added, "Lovin' this and Bobby's a star."

After news broke that Bobby Jr. had died, fans also commemorated him as they celebrated his work. "Rest easy, Bobby. I love you," a fan wrote. "Rest in power, Bobby," another added.

Sometime after Bobby Jr.'s death on Nov. 18, 2020, his elder brother, Landon (pictured left), shared a photo on Instagram to commemorate Bobby Jr.'s birthday. Landon captioned the photo: "I miss you... I'll teach our siblings to be free like you tried to show me to be.... I will work my hardest to be as peaceful as you.... I'll remember that you are forever at my side..... I'll be the King....I love you Brother......"

The inspiration between brothers was obviously mutual, as one fan commented: "Bobby's the goat! He touched a lot of people's [lives]! Thank you for being his motivation!!!"

Bobby Brown Jr.'s death has raised flags with police, as TMZ reports. While it was reported as accidental, the Los Angeles Police Department has opened a criminal investigation because of Bobby Jr.'s death by narcotics. However, the outlet noted that no arrests have been made as of yet. As CNN adds, there were no findings of internal injuries in his body.

Police have been interviewing those who were with Bobby Jr. before he died, including his girlfriend, Anna Reed, and other witnesses, per TMZ. While alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl were found in his system, there was no drug-related paraphernalia found in his Los Angeles home.

Bobby Jr.'s girlfriend found him unresponsive in his bedroom. She called paramedics, who declared him dead. In response to Bobby Jr.'s death, Reed, his girlfriend, tweeted (via BBC): "The heavens gained an angel but I lost my soulmate."