First For Music News

NME News

Ike Turner died of cocaine overdose

Ike Turner                                                                                          Pic: PA Photos

Ike Turner Pic: PA Photos

The rock legend had a history of addiction

Ike Turner died of a cocaine overdose, according to a report issued by a California medical examiner today (January 16).

The rock and roll legend and ex-husband of Tina Turner was found dead at his home near San Diego on December 12 at the age of 76, as previously reported.

Today, the San Diego medical examiner announced that his autopsy indicated that a long history of cardiovascular disease and emphysema also contributed to his death.

"We are listing that he abused cocaine, and that's what resulted in the cocaine toxicity," Paul Parker, chief investigator at the medical examiner's office, told the Associated Press.

Turner had a history of cocaine addiction stretching back more than 30 years, as well as several drug-related arrests.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
Find out more about NME.


The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon -- and it's time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.

Add your comment

 
 
Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday and Friday

  • Up-to-the-minute news stories
  • The best new music and free downloads
  • Video interviews, photo galleries, competitions and more
  • Album and track reviews for the week ahead
  • Essential gigs in your area