Rocker Scott Weiland's death ruled due to drugs

Former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Weiland (above) died of "mixed drug toxicity”. PHOTO: REUTERS

NEW YORK (AFP) - The late grunge rocker Scott Weiland, who publicly struggled with addiction, died after consuming a mix of drugs, a medical report said Friday.

The former Stone Temple Pilots frontman "died of mixed drug toxicity," said a statement from the medical examiner's office in Hennepin County, Minnesota, where the 48-year-old died on Dec 3 while touring.

The examination found in Weiland's body both cocaine and MDA - a stimulant known as a club party drug - as well as ethanol, which presumably came from alcohol.

The medical examiner said the death was accidental.

Weiland, who was also part of the Velvet Revolver supergroup with members of Guns N' Roses, was known for years for his substance abuse. But more recently he said he had overcome heroin, which was considered his most dangerous addiction.

Along with other bands led by Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots in the early 1990s helped create the genre of grunge rock that is known for distorted guitar and often grim introspection.

His death brought an unusually loaded reaction from his ex-wife, Mary Forsberg, who urged fans not to "glorify" the rocker who she said had neglected their children.

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