The Tragic Truth Behind Chris Farley’s Autopsy Report

This article references issues related to substance abuse.

Chris Farley’s life and untimely death have been extensively reported. He was a notable comedian best known for his performances on “Saturday Night Live.” Chris passed away on December 18, 1997, after facing a long-term struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. His autopsy indicated that his death resulted from an accidental overdose of cocaine and morphine, with underlying heart disease contributing to the tragedy.

At the time of his death, Chris was 33 years old and was diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis, a disease where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. According to The New York Times, his blood analysis also showed traces of marijuana, antihistamines, and antidepressants, but none were found to directly cause his death, and no alcohol was present.

Chris was discovered in his Chicago condo by his brother, John. In the time leading up to his death, he had frequently battled substance use, which reportedly included compulsive eating alongside drug and alcohol misuse. A sex worker talked to Entertainment Weekly in 1998, expressing her belief that Chris was heading down a destructive path. During this tough time, his close friends, including David Spade and Adam Sandler, mourned the loss deeply, revealing more details about his personal difficulties over time.

Friends of Chris Farley have shared insights on his addiction battles following his demise. Tom Arnold, a close friend and sobriety sponsor, recounted how he confronted Chris about his substance use. He recalled saying to Chris, “You can’t be super fat and do drugs; that’s death. You have to choose.” Arnold even organized an intervention for Farley with actor Rob Lowe and a brother of Chris’s. Initially resistant, Chris eventually recognized the seriousness of his situation with the aid of a therapist. Arnold remarked, “Chris tried… He did his best. It’s truly heartbreaking.”

Bob Odenkirk, another ex-“SNL” member, expressed his worries about Farley long before his tragic end. In his memoir “Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama,” Odenkirk discussed an incident when Chris made a scene at a friend’s funeral due to inebriation. He remembered their last interaction after a show in Aspen, Colorado, in 1997, saying Chris appeared unwell, describing him as “a big zit about to pop.” Odenkirk realized it would be their final farewell, thinking, “Goodbye, my friend.”

If you or someone you know is grappling with addiction, support is accessible. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or reach out to SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).