(L.A.) Rick James, 56, Died at a Residence

Case Number: 2004-05931

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 56-year-old Black male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office identified the man as James Johnson.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death A: Acute Cardiac Dysfunction

Cause of Death B: Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy

Other Significant Conditions: Focal Pneumonia; Effects of Multiple Drugs

RIP JAMES AMBROSE JOHNSON JR. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Friday at 9:52 a.m.

The decedent is the singer Rick James.

This is considered an accidental, i.e., unintentional, polydrug overdose.

Toxicology listed nine drugs — a mix of depressants, namely alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and hydrocodone (Vicodin); antidepressants, namely bupropion and citalopram; stimulants, namely methamphetamine and cocaine; and others, including digoxin and chlorpheniramine.

Acute cardiac dysfunction was caused by the synergistic toxic effects of polydrug use, which led to fatal cardiovascular instability.

* Note that there are multiple decedents named “James Johnson” in public records.