How Did Juice WRLD Die? The Truth Behind His Final Hours

Juice WRLD's death came from an accidental overdose that ended a promising young star's life too soon. The rapper, born Jarad Higgins, died on December 8, 2019, just days after turning 21. His death occurred after he experienced a seizure and cardiac arrest at Chicago's Midway Airport.

The details of Juice WRLD's final moments tell a heartbreaking story. Medical reports confirmed his death as an accident from oxycodone and codeine toxicity. He had taken much of his prescription painkillers that day - possibly more than 20 pills along with a pint of "lean" (codeine syrup mixed with soda). This tragic end resonated deeply with fans who knew his music. His lyrics often revealed his battles with drugs and mental health, and he spoke about death frequently, especially in his 2018 breakthrough hit "Lucid Dreams" .

The events leading up to Juice WRLD’s death

What started as a regular private jet landing became the last day of Juice WRLD's life. Nobody knew this routine flight would lead to the young rapper's death.

Arrival at Midway Airport

Juice WRLD and his group landed at Chicago's Midway International Airport in the early hours of December 8, 2019. The 21-year-old artist flew from Van Nuys Airport in California on a private Gulfstream jet. His girlfriend Ally Lotti, security team, and several friends were with him when the plane touched down at 1:30 AM.

The group expected to head straight to their waiting cars. Federal agents had other plans and waited for them based on tips about possible contraband on the aircraft.

Police search and seizure

Law enforcement officials stood ready at the private hangar as the plane taxied in. FBI agents and Chicago police officers prepared to search the aircraft after the pilot's reports indicated drugs and weapons might be on board.

The search revealed a large stash of items:

• 70 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags

• Six bottles of prescription codeine cough syrup

• Three firearms with ammunition

• Several pieces of luggage containing suspected drugs

Witnesses saw Juice WRLD grow more nervous and agitated while officers searched the luggage and questioned his group.

Juice WRLD's medical emergency

The situation took a dark turn during the search. Witnesses said Juice WRLD swallowed multiple pills, likely trying to hide them from the authorities. He started convulsing and seizing soon after.

The federal agents recognized overdose symptoms and gave him Narcan, an emergency medication that reverses opioid overdoses. His condition got worse even after two doses of the medication.

Medical teams rushed him to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and tried to save his life. The doctors couldn't revive him. Jarad "Juice WRLD" Higgins died at 3:14 AM, just two hours after his plane landed.

What did Juice WRLD overdose on?

The toxicology findings showed exactly what caused Juice WRLD's death. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office made it official on January 22, 2020 - the 21-year-old rapper died from "oxycodone and codeine toxicity" [1]. This news came after weeks of people wondering what happened when he collapsed at Chicago's Midway Airport.

Oxycodone and codeine explained

OxyContin and Percocet are common brand names for oxycodone, a powerful prescription painkiller. This strong opioid floods the brain with dopamine and creates feelings of euphoria and relaxation [2]. The drug's highly addictive nature makes users need more and more to feel the same effects.

Codeine works as a pain reliever and cough suppressant that doctors prescribe in liquid form, tablets, or capsules [2]. Hip-hop culture knows codeine cough syrup mixed with soda as "lean" (also "purple drank" or "sizzurp"). Juice WRLD talked about this mix in his music, especially in his 2018 song "Lean Wit Me" [1].

Toxicology report findings

The medical examiner needed detailed testing to reach this conclusion. The original autopsy didn't give clear answers, and officials said they needed "more tests and studies to establish the cause and manner of death" [3]. These tests looked at heart pathology, brain function, toxicology, and tissue samples.

The final toxicology results showed toxic levels of both oxycodone and codeine in Juice WRLD's system [1]. The documentary "Into the Abyss" revealed that the rapper had taken a pint of lean and more than 20 pills on his final day [4]. This amount points to massive substance intake.

Why was the overdose ruled accidental

The medical examiner called Juice WRLD's death an "accident" instead of suicide [1]. The evidence supported this conclusion. The rapper seemed to take the drugs quickly during a police search, showing no signs of wanting to end his life.

Juice WRLD's battle with prescription drug dependency was no secret. His mother, Carmella Wallace, spoke openly about how "Jarad battled with prescription drug dependency" [5]. The fatal overdose likely happened because of his ongoing addiction rather than a planned attempt at suicide.

The rapper's lyrics often showed his substance abuse struggles. His song "Lean Wit Me" had a chilling line: "If I overdose, bae, are you gon' drop with me?" [6] - words that sadly predicted his fate.

Juice WRLD’s history with drugs and mental health

Juice WRLD's path to stardom came with a dark side - a troubled past with drugs and mental health issues that ended up leading to his death too soon.

Early exposure to substances

Jarad Higgins started his journey with drugs when he was barely a teenager. He drank lean (codeine-promethazine mixture) as early as sixth grade. His drug use grew worse through high school as he moved from Percocet pills to more dangerous substances.

Struggles with anxiety and depression

The rapper's energetic stage presence masked his deep mental health battles. His mother, Carmella Wallace, spoke openly about her son's challenges. We learned that he used drugs to self-medicate his severe anxiety and depression. He revealed in interviews that prescription drugs became his way to handle fame's pressure and emotional pain.

Lyrics that hinted at his pain

His music became the way he expressed his deepest emotions. Songs like "Lean Wit Me" had warning signs with lyrics like "I been using drugs since I was 14." His track "Legends" contained the haunting prediction about not living past 21. The album "Death Race for Love" showed his inner demons and revealed how he needed substances to escape his emotional suffering.

His mental health struggles and drug dependence fed into each other. This dangerous pattern continued until that fatal day when he overdosed at Chicago's Midway Airport.

Rumors, reactions, and the truth

People started spreading rumors right after Juice WRLD died. Questions arose about what happened during his last moments.

Did he take pills to hide them?

Reports show that Juice WRLD ingested several Percocet pills while authorities searched his private jet [7]. The pilot had alerted officials about guns and drugs on board [8]. The federal agents started their inspection, and witnesses saw Juice quickly swallowing pills to hide them [9]. This act likely led to his fatal overdose [10].

Statements from friends and family

His girlfriend told police that Juice "takes Percocet and has a drug problem" [7]. His mother, Carmella Wallace, later spoke about this struggle in a heartfelt statement: "Addiction knows no boundaries and its impact goes way beyond the person fighting it" [11]. The family ended up deciding to release his unreleased music and organize a public tribute in Chicago [12].

Public and celebrity tributes

The music world grieved deeply after hearing about his sudden death. Travis Scott, Drake, The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding, and many other artists shared their tributes online [10]. Ellie Goulding, who worked with Juice on "Hate Me," wrote: "I can't believe it... You were such a sweet soul" [13]. Chance the Rapper called him "a young legend" and wished they had talked more [14]. Fans turned to his music for comfort, pushing it to the top of streaming charts [15].

Conclusion

Juice WRLD's death reminds us how addiction can snatch away a life brimming with extraordinary talent and potential. The young rapper's battle with substance abuse ended up causing his tragic accidental overdose at just 21. Death struck when his career should have peaked, taken by the same demons he poured into his music.

His final moments at Chicago's Midway Airport tell a haunting story. A desperate attempt to hide pills from authorities led to a deadly mix of oxycodone and codeine that overwhelmed his system. Medical teams tried Narcan but couldn't save his life.

The most gut-wrenching part? Juice WRLD seemed to see it coming through his lyrics. "Legends" talked about not making it past 21, while "Lean Wit Me" laid bare his substance dependence. These words now feel like omens from a young man who knew his weaknesses but couldn't beat them.

His mother's words about his prescription drug battles show how addiction tears through families, not just individuals. Money and fame couldn't protect him from the mental health struggles that pushed him toward self-medication.

All the same, Juice WRLD's influence reaches way beyond his tragic end. His music strikes a chord with millions who relate to his raw honesty about anxiety, depression, and emotional pain. Fans and fellow artists' overwhelming grief showed his deep effect on today's music scene.

Jarad Higgins's story warns us about the dangers of prescription drug abuse while celebrating an artist who turned pain into art that helped others feel seen. We can only imagine what other gifts he might have shared if that December morning had gone differently.

Key Takeaways

The tragic death of Juice WRLD reveals critical insights about addiction, mental health struggles, and the dangers of prescription drug abuse among young artists.

• Juice WRLD died from an accidental overdose of oxycodone and codeine on December 8, 2019, after swallowing pills during a federal search at Chicago's Midway Airport.

• The 21-year-old rapper had battled prescription drug dependency since his teens, using substances to self-medicate severe anxiety and depression.

• His lyrics eerily predicted his fate, with songs like "Legends" referencing not making it past 21 and "Lean Wit Me" openly discussing drug use.

• Despite emergency Narcan treatment, the toxic levels of opioids in his system proved fatal, highlighting how quickly addiction can claim lives.

• His death sparked widespread tributes from celebrities and fans, demonstrating how his honest portrayal of mental health struggles resonated with millions worldwide.

Juice WRLD's story serves as both a cautionary tale about prescription drug abuse and a reminder that fame offers no protection against addiction's devastating effects. His legacy continues through music that helped others feel less alone in their struggles.

FAQs

Q1. What was the official cause of Juice WRLD's death?

Juice WRLD died from an accidental overdose of oxycodone and codeine. The toxicology report revealed toxic levels of both substances in his system.

Q2. Did Juice WRLD have a history of drug abuse?

Yes, Juice WRLD had a well-documented history of prescription drug dependency, which he often referenced in his music. He began experimenting with drugs in his early teens and struggled with substance abuse throughout his career.

Q3. What happened in Juice WRLD's final moments?

On December 8, 2019, Juice WRLD suffered a seizure at Chicago's Midway Airport after his private plane landed. Despite receiving emergency treatment, including Narcan, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Q4. Were there warning signs before Juice WRLD's death?

There were several warning signs, including lyrics referencing drug use and death, as well as reports of Juice WRLD consuming large amounts of prescription medications. He had also reportedly been experiencing pain and health issues in the days leading up to his death.

Q5. How did Juice WRLD's death impact the music industry?

Juice WRLD's death sparked widespread tributes from fans and fellow artists, highlighting the issue of substance abuse in the music industry. His music sales and streaming numbers increased dramatically after his passing, and his unreleased music continues to be released posthumously.

References

[1] - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/22/juice-wrld-death-accidental-overdose-oxycodone-codeine
[2] - https://www.addictioncenter.com/news/2020/02/juice-wrld-cause-death-oxycodone-codeine-overdose/
[3] - https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-born-rapper-juice-wrld-autopsy-inconclusive-medical-examiner/5741235/
[4] - https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/dec/15/juice-wrld-tragic-story-documentary
[5] - https://people.com/music/juice-wrld-cause-of-death-accidental-overdose-oxycodone-codeine/
[6] - https://www.turnbridge.com/news-events/latest-articles/juice-wrld-drugs-and-death/
[7] - https://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/2019/12/juice-wrld-died-after-swallowing-pills-as-feds-searched-plane-for-guns-drugs.html
[8] - https://www.ktvu.com/news/rapper-juice-wrld-allegedly-swallowed-pills-to-avoid-feds-before-fatal-seizure
[9] - https://www.okayplayer.com/juice-wrld-reportedly-swallowed-pills-to-hide-them-from-authorities-during-search/734637
[10] - https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/juice-wrld-allegedly-swallowed-pills-232133052.html
[11] - https://people.com/music/juice-wrld-dead-family-speak-out-addiction/
[12] - https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/juice-wrld-family-statement-cause-of-death-8548798/
[13] - https://www.eonline.com/news/1100610/juice-wrld-s-death-mourned-by-lil-yachty-travis-scott-and-more-celebs
[14] - https://www.businessinsider.com/juice-wrld-death-reactions-tributes-honored-online-musicians-collaborators-after-2019-12
[15] - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/juice-wrld-family-speaks-out-addiction-knows-no-boundaries/11796292