'Eight Is Enough' Actor Adam Rich's Cause Of Death Revealed

The death of former child star Adam Rich, best known for his role as Nicholas Bradford on the hit TV series, "Eight Is Enough," shocked many of his fans.

Rich was found dead in the early hours of January 7 in his Los Angeles home at the time. The cause of his untimely passing has now been revealed, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise.

Keep on reading to learn more.

Adam Rich, who rose to fame in the late 1970s as part of the ensemble cast of "Eight Is Enough," was found deceased at his Los Angeles residence on January 7, 2023. The news of his death left fans mourning the loss of the talented actor who had made a significant impact on the television landscape during his childhood.

A statement released by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Rich's cause of death was determined to be a result of the "effects of fentanyl," per US Weekly.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid medication primarily used for managing severe pain, particularly in cases where other pain medications are ineffective. It is considered to be one of the most potent opioids available for medical use.

According to the news outlet, his death was ruled as an accident suggesting an overdose of the drug. He also had non-toxic levels of alcohol and lorazepam, also known by its brand name, Ativan — in his system.

According to TMZ, it was confirmed that no foul play was suspected in the actor's passing when his corpse was found six months ago. Rich's corpse was found in the bathroom by the manager at his apartment, alongside a white powder substance believed to be drugs.

Following the initial investigation, medical examiners conducted a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the actor's death. The authorities concluded that no foul play was involved, although his cause of death wasn't given at the time.

According to the news outlet, his body was found in a "state of mild decomposition" two days after "no one had heard from him." The former child star had been in a struggle with drugs for years before his passing. He was reportedly arrested once for trying to steal pills from a pharmacy.

According to Entertainment Tonight, the "Dungeons and Dragons" actor's rep issued a heartfelt statement, expressing grief and honoring the talented artist.

In the statement released, his representative expressed profound sadness over the actor's untimely demise at age 54. The spokesperson described Rich as a remarkable human being and a "warrior for humanity."

"Adam was not just a warrior for erasing the stigma on mental illness, but a warrior for humanity. He had no ego. He genuinely cared about people. He was America's Little Brother," the statement read.

"He was loved by so many, especially by those who grew up with him watching Eight is Enough, or (Disney's) The Devil and Max Devlin," the statement continued. "He will be missed and forever cherished."

In 1992, Rich made the courageous decision to enter a drug rehabilitation program, seeking help for his substance abuse issues, per CBS News. This pivotal moment in Rich's life served as a testament to his resilience and showcased his unwavering desire to lead a healthier and happier life at the time.

According to the news outlet, he enrolled in the Betty Ford Clinic for treatment of cocaine addiction after pleading no contest to felony burglary and drug charges alleging he stole a drug-filled syringe from a hospital and broke into a pharmacy.

He was reportedly kicked out of another rehabilitation program before enrolling in the Betty Ford clinic after demanding painkillers.

Rich was also arrested for driving under the influence after he drove onto a closed highway lane and almost rammed a California Highway Patrol car. Authorities reportedly smelled marijuana after pulling him over, but none was found. However, he was arrested after failing a field sobriety test.