The Colombian publication SEMANA is reporting Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins died of a drug overdose on March 25. The band was in Bogota to perform at the Esteréo Picnic festival.
A premilimary report leaked to SEMANA says authorities "observed traces of a substance inside the room similar to cocaine," adding: "Taking into account that no signs of violence are observed, an overdose is preliminarily proposed as a death hypothesis; pending technical-scientific opinion."
Hawkins, who was 50, allegedly died from an "overdose of heroin mixed with antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
"Forensic tests performed on the body also came back positive for marijuana. In total, traces of at least 10 psychoactive substances were found."
An emergency medical unit was dispatched to the Hawkins' hotel after learning a man there was suffering chest pains. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
SEMANA also reveals "forensic doctors were shocked by the size of the drummer's heart: it weighed at least 600 grams. The researchers assure that the organ collapsed before the cocktail of narcotics that they found in his blood. The death occurred immediately."
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) March 26, 2022
It would appear Hawkins had an enlarged heart, which is considered 450 grams or more in men, and can, "over time, cause serious health problems. Most notably, it can increase the risk of sudden death. In addition, it can cause fluid to build up in the body and lungs, which can lead to heart failure."
However, SEMANA is not saying the drummer died from a heart attack. None of the pharmaceutical compounds referred to were specifically identified. More tests will be done to determine this and other factors in the death.
In 2001, Hawkins suffered a heroin overdose that left him in a coma for two weeks.
Pitchfork: "Hawkins’ drumming work became a pillar of modern-day alternative rock."
Hawkins joined drummer Dave Grohl and his Foo Fighters four years earlier in 1997 after touring several years with Alanis Morissette. "Hawkins defined his style of playing with impeccably polished drum fills, breathable verses built around staccato hits and a toothy grin that never left his face," notes Pitchfork's Nina Corcoron. "Hawkins’ drumming work became a pillar of modern-day alternative rock, and his radiant charisma would rub off on everyone he met along the tour route."
He's survived by his wife Alison and their three children.
