Acause of deathhas been released forEthan Browne, the son of musician Jackson Browne.
Brownedied on Nov. 25 at the age of 52after being found unresponsive at his home. At the time of his death, no details surrounding the circumstances of Browne's death were shared.
Following new findings from theLos Angeles County Medical Examiner, it's been revealed that Browne — the eldest child of Jackson Browne — died due to the "effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine and lidocaine," according to online records reviewed by USA TODAY on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
The manner of Browne's death was ruled an accident, per the medical examiner. USA TODAY has reached out to Ethan and Jackson Browne's reps for comment.
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died on Jan. 10 at age 78. Weir's death was announced in a post on Instagram, which said the cause was "underlying lung issues." "For over sixty years, Bobby took to the road. A guitarist, vocalist, storyteller, and founding member of the Grateful Dead. Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music," the post said. "His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Actor T.K. Carter died on Jan. 9 at age 69, representatives confirmed to USA TODAY. Born Thomas Kent Carter, the actor was known for his roles in films like "The Thing" and TV shows like "Punky Brewster." "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Grammy-nominated country songwriter Jim McBride, known for cowriting over a dozen Alan Jackson records, including "Chattahoochee," has died. He was 78.Jackson confirmed McBride's death in an Instagram tribute on Jan. 8.
"Jim and I wrote some of my favorite songs together and I don't know if my career would have ended up quite the same without his help," Jackson wrote, "inspiration, and encouragement in my early years. Thank you Jim, rest in peace." The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is also credited with helping write Conway Twitty's "A Bridge That Just Won't Burn," among other songs.
Hungarian director Béla Tarr, best known for dark dramas such as "Damnation," "Satantango" and "The Turin Horse," died on Jan. 6 following a "long and serious illness," the European Film Academy announced in a tribute to the late filmmaker.2011's "The Turin Horse," Tarr's final feature film, won best foreign language film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, as well as the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Passages 2026: Scott Adams, Bob Weir and more stars we lost
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the long-running "Dilbert" comic strip,has died at 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. Adams shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2025. In 2023, numerous newspapers dropped his comic strip after he made racist comments saying that white people should "get the hell away from Black people."Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, announced his death during a Jan. 13 livestream. She also read a message from Adams, which he authored at the start of the year. "I had an amazing life," Adams wrote in his New Year's Day letter. "I gave it everything I had. If I got any benefits from my work, I'm asking that you pay it forward as best as you can. That's the legacy I want: be useful. And please know, I loved you all to the very end."
Fentanylis a "potent synthetic opioid drug" that can be used for pain relief and as an anesthetic, according to theU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The drug, which can be found in counterfeit pills, is "approximately 100 times more potent than" morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin.
Methamphetamineis a highly addictive stimulant that speeds up the body's system, including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and body temperature,per the DEA. High doses of the drug, which comes in pill and powder form, can lead to death through stroke, heart attack or multiple organ problems caused by overheating.
Lidocaine is a type of local anesthetic that is used to "relieve pain by blocking signals at the nerve endings in skin," according to theNational Cancer Institute. The drug can also be injected intravenously to stop heart arrhythmias (aka irregular heartbeat).
Ethan Browne dies:Son of musician Jackson Browne was 52
Browne followed in his father's showbiz footsteps, pursuing careers in both modeling and acting. Among Browne's most notable acting roles were 1995's "Hackers" and 2004's "Raising Helen."
Browne's mother, actress and model Phyllis Major, died by suicide in 1976 when Browne was a toddler.
More celebrity deaths:'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams dies at 68 after prostate cancer battle
Browne eventually became a father himself, a milestone his dad Jackson Browne reflected on in 2022.
"Ethan is a great father. He's a great son, a great man," Jackson Browne toldTru Rock Revival. "I love seeing him with his kids. When I see him in his movies, modeling, with his daughter, and being such a great dad, it makes me very proud. It makes me feel I've done something really right in my life."
If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration'sNational Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ethan Browne cause of death – Jackson Browne son died of fentanyl
