Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein Found Dead in New York Apartment

Adam Goldstein, also known as DJ AM, was found dead in his New York apartment Friday. The 36 year old club DJ was reportedly found dead by friends who were concerned about not being able to contact him. Drug paraphernalia were found near the body and an accidental overdose is suspected as the cause of death. TMZ reports that authorities confirm that a glass crack pipe was found beside Goldstein's prone body and that pill bottles were found in the kitchen.

DJ AM had struggled with drug use in the past but had been clean for nine years, according to several accounts. Friends believe that a combination of a recent break up with girlfriend Hayley Wood and post-traumatic stress disorder caused by a 2008 plane crash may have pushed him to take up drug use again.

DJ AM was involved in a fatal plane crash in South Carolina in September 2008. Goldstein's plane, also carrying Blink-182's Travis Barker, crashed at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport shortly after takeoff. Both pilot and co-pilot along with two associates of Barker and Goldstein were killed in the crash. Barker and Goldstein were flown to the Augusta Burn Unit in critical condition with third degree burns. Goldstein had since recovered from extensive burns to his hands and head. Goldstein had initiated legal action against the plane operators, the manufacturer, Learjet, and Goodyear Tires. Barker and the families of the deceased had also filed similar lawsuits.

After the accident, DJ AM appeared with Travis Barker in a series of shows and had been booked through October for 18 appearances throughout the US.

The investigation into Adam Goldstein's death continues and a statement from police is expected later Friday evening. At the time of writing, DJ AM's body remains in his apartment awaiting release to the coroner's office. It may take days or even weeks to ascertain the actual cause of death as toxicology tests can be lengthy.

DJ AM's website includes his Twitter feeds. His last entry read "New York, New York. Big city of dreams, but everything in New York aint (sic) always what it seems." The post was made 3 days before his death.

Sources:

www.cnn.com
www.tmz.com
http://www.djam.com/