Twenty-six-year-old rapper Mac Miller was found dead in his home from an apparent overdose on Sept. 7, 2018. Known for his artistic reinvention and witty wordplay, Miller struggled with substance abuse and depression throughout his career. He rapped about his use of various drugs and was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in May 2018 after crashing his G-Wagon into a utility pole.
That crash occurred just days after his breakup with pop star Ariana Grande, who claimed his substance abuse problems played a role in their split. "I am not a babysitter or a mother and no woman should feel that they need to be," she tweeted after the break. "I have cared for him and tried to support his sobriety & prayed for his balance for years."
Miller opened up about his arrest with Apple Music's Beats 1 radio in July 2018, calling it "the best thing that could have happened." He said he "lived a certain life for 10 years and faced almost no real consequence at all. Yeah I made a stupid mistake. I'm a human being ... I needed to run into that light pole and literally like have the whole thing stop."
In an August 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Miller claimed he did not have a drug problem. "Have I done drugs? Yeah. But am I a drug addict? No," he said. In February 2016, Miller said in a mini-documentary for Fader, "I'd rather be the corny white rapper than the drugged-out mess who can't even get out of his house. Overdosing is just not cool ... You don't go down in history because you overdosed. You just die."
Miller's family released a statement following his death that said, in part: "He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans. Thank you for your prayers."
If you or someone you know is seeking help and support to deal with substance abuse or mental health issues, please call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
