Aaron Carter accidentally drowned in bathtub, autopsy report says

Aaron Carter’s cause of death has been revealed, with an autopsy report concluding he accidentally drowned in the bath.

The singer and TV personality was found dead inside his California home on 5 November last year.

At the time, Carter’s family said they were 'extremely saddened and shocked to confirm' the loss of their loved one, adding that authorities were investigating the circumstances of his tragic passing.

A representative for Carter also said: "Right now it's a really bad time we're trying to figure out what happened and what the cause of it was.

"We're just as upset as everyone and hope that fans can give thoughts and prayers to his family."

Now an autopsy report has revealed that Carter’s cause of death was ‘drowning due to the effects of difluoroethane and alprazolam’, with the coroner describing the incident as an ‘accident’.

Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo

The report, obtained by Deadline and a number of other US titles, said: “The 34-year-old male, Aaron Carter, was found submerged under water and unresponsive in his bathtub.

“Medics responded and pronounced death at the scene. Autopsy revealed pulmonary edema and no fatal trauma.

“Toxicological testing detected the presence of difluoroethane and alprazolam in Mr. Carter’s system. Additionally, anti-histamine and quetiapine metabolites were present.”

Difluoroethane is a gas ‘commonly used as a propellant in air spray cleaners for electronic devices that can induce feelings of euphoria when inhaled’.

It is known to have cardiotoxic effects, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.

Alprazolam, which is often sold under the brand name Xanax, was also found in Carter’s system.

According to the autopsy report, it is a benzodiazepine that has ‘depressant effects on the central nervous system’, which can cause drowsiness and sedation.

Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo

Interim Senior Deputy Medical Examiner Brice L. Hunt concluded that Carter had become ‘incapacitated’ in the bath after inhaling the difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, which led to him drowning and ‘unable to breathe’.

The report said: "Based on the autopsy findings, investigative reports and circumstances, as currently known, Mr Carter became incapacitated while in the bathtub due to the effects of inhaling compressed gas and taking alprazolam.

"This resulted in him becoming submerged under water, unable to breathe, and ultimately led to his death.

“The cause of death is drowning due to the effects of difluoroethane and alprazolam. The manner of death is accident.”

The deputy medical examiner completed a full autopsy on Carter on 6 November.

However, it wasn't until the 'completion and receipt of relevant test results' that a cause of death was certified on 14 April.