Nearly one year after rapper Mac Miller’s sudden and tragic passing, a man has been charged in connection with his death. Federal prosecutors alleged in a 42-page account that 28-year-old Cameron James Pettit provided Miller with the drugs that ultimately lead to his death; fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills. Conversations between the two reveal that Miller requested the drug from Pettit just days before his death on September 7, 2018.
With the revelation that another man was involved in Miller’s death, differing theories and opinions will abound. Regardless of the true cause of Miller’s passing, it is clear to say that the abrupt, shocking demise of a major figure will invite questions as to the full story of a star’s death. Throughout the history of music, many iconic performers have suffered tragic, early passings, some of which are shrouded in secrecy. Three particular stars who suffered such fates include Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, and The Notorious B.I.G.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was an iconic American singer and actor, often considered to be the pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll music. Ascending to fame in the 1950s, he was beloved for his soulful voice, boyish looks and sharp sense of style. His career eventually declined due to competition from bands such as the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, both of whom were part of the British Invasion of rock music. In 1977, Presley was found dead in his home at the age of 42.
Although officially reported to be due to cardiac arrhythmia, Presley’s cause of death has been fiercely debated. Some believe that his history of prescription drug abuse, which includes codeine, Valium, morphine, and Demerol, contributed. However, Presley’s father Vernon had the autopsy reports sealed, with them remaining so until 2027.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for headlining the alternative rock group Nirvana. Though the group formed in 1987 and released their debut album Bleach in 1989, it wasn’t until 1991’s Nevermind when the band would hit its stride. Although the group was hugely popular and even considered revolutionary to some, popularizing the term ‘grunge’, Cobain felt beleaguered by the demands he felt were put onto him as the group’s frontman. On April 8th, 1994, Cobain was found dead in his house of an apparent gunshot wound to the head at the age of 27.
Several details regarding Cobain’s death have led to theories being formed as to omitted details. Because he was missing for days and was found dead, Cobain’s official date of death is unknown and is alleged to have occurred on April 5th. Furthermore, many fans of Nirvana have theorized that Courtney Love, Cobain’s widow, played an indirect role in her husband’s death.
The Notorious B.I.G
Christopher Wallace, better known by his stage name the Notorious B.I.G, was an American rapper. He skyrocketed to fame with the release of his album Ready to Die, which spawned hits such as “Juicy”. Shortly before the release of his second album, Life After Death, Wallace was fatally gunned down after leaving a press release party for the album, at the age of 24.
Wallace’s assassin has never been determined. The only evidence of the perpetrator is a rough sketch created shortly after his passing. To date, the identity remains unknown.
Closing
Although it has been alleged that Cameron James Pettit is responsible for Miller’s death, it is possible that the true assailant has yet to be identified. Celebrity deaths often occur in secrecy and even the highly visible ones have a layer of mystery to them. Theories will arise and inevitably, questions will be asked.