DJ AM's Family: Plane Crash Ultimately Killed Him

DJ AM kicked his drug habit years before the 2008 plane crash that killed four people and left AM and drummer Travis Barker broken but alive.  AM's family now says surviving that crash ultimately killed him.

AM's family has amended a negligence suit against the companies involved in that plane crash to now include wrongful death.  The suit claims that "crash ultimately caused DJ AM's death."  AM (nee Adam Goldstein) accidentally OD'd on prescription drugs and cocaine.  His family says he was forced to start taking pills to treat his burns and handle his anxiety after the crash.

Before his death, AM filed suit against Clay Lacy Aviation, Global Exec Aviation, Inter Travel and Services, Goodyear Tire, LearJet and the estates of the two pilots killed in the September 2008 crash.

Just a sad case all around...
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Brew News: The Latest on DJ AM

Investigators say DJ AM did not commit suicide, but that his death Friday may have been caused by a tragic relapse.

DJ AM had been sober for more than a decade and clean for 4 years. But, after narrowly surviving last September’s plane crash, he reportedly became dependent on Xanax. Doctors had prescribed the drug to help him conquer his fears about flying. But the drug may have sent him back down the road to addiction.

Friends say if it was a relapse, it was very recent.

Meantime, AM’s frequent musical collaborator and fellow plane crash survivor, Travis Barker, tweeted Saturday his "brother is gone… i'll never forget everything we've been thru and every time i play the drums i'll think of you. U were an amazing friend/DJ/human being. Rest In Peace my brother, this really f***s me up."

Sources say AM’s ex-girlfriend, Nicole Richie -who hasn’t spoken publicly- is very upset.

TMZ reports the evidence strongly indicates AM’s cause of death will be a combination of crack cocaine and anxiety-related drugs.

Brew News: Crack Found Near DJ AM's Body

New developments in the death of DJ AM: Crack was reportedly found near his body. TMZ reports a bag of crack was found in his groin area and a crack pipe was discovered in his bedroom. There were pill bottles in the kitchen as well.

Autopsy results have not been finalized just yet, since officials are waiting on toxicology tests, the results of which could take weeks.

DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) struggled with crack addiction in the past. He had been working on a reality show with MTV, "Gone Too Far," about staging interventions for drug users. That show was slated to air in October. It's not clear if MTV still plans to air it.

Sources say DJ AM had been depressed about a recent break-up with a girlfriend and that he still dealt with post-traumatic stress from last year's plane crash. Goldstein and drummer Travis Barker were the only survivors of that crash. DJ AM said he often felt guilty or wondered why he survived while four others died.

The 36 year old was found dead in his Manhattan apartment Friday evening.

Music Soothes the Soul

My plan was to get up bright and early and hit the gym but I started watching the Sen. Ted Kennedy funeral and got a major case of the sads. I hate to say it but this was like a summer of death. DJ AM's death truly surprised me but didn't shock me entirely. Nothing does anymore. His near death experience last year in a plane crash may have riled up some demons that could not be silenced, but we'll never know, nor should we judge. I do believe in celebrating a person's life, not death. Music always makes me feel better. Check DJ AM's friend Travis Barker as he kicks his version of "Crank Dat". Random selection I know but Barker and DJ AM were the sole survivors of that crash last year and God only knows what he's going through right about now. Hearing good beats from someone so talented can do a lot for the soul..Kick it T:

Breaking Brew News: DJ AM Found Dead

The apparent summer of celebrity death continues. TMZ reports DJ AM was found dead in his NYC apartment this afternoon.

Sources say drug paraphernalia (a pipe) and/or prescription bottles were found at the scene.

DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) had not been heard from in days. A friend went to check on him, then called police when he got no response. Police broke down the door and found his body.

You'll recall that DJ AM (Nicole Richie's former boyfriend) survived a plane crash in South Carolina along with drummer Travis Barker. DJ AM and Barker were the only survivors.

AM's last Twitter update (posted on August 25th) reads: "New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems."

Wow...chilling!

Stick with the Brew for the latest on this developing story.