Adam Perkins was a popular Vine star and musician who rose to fame with his viral video “Welcome to Chili’s”. He passed away on April 11, 2021, at the age of 24. His twin brother, Patrick Perkins, announced the tragic news on Instagram, but did not reveal the cause of death at the time. However, after three months of speculation and rumors, the official cause of death has been confirmed by authorities. Here is what we know so far about Adam Perkins’ cause of death.
Accidental Multiple Drug Intoxication
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, Adam Perkins died of accidental multiple drug intoxication, PEOPLE confirms. In a July 7 autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE, a medical examiner said that fentanyl, a powerful opioid; flualprazolam, a known tranquilizer; mitragynine, a psychoactive ingredient found in the kratom plant; ethanol and cocaine were found in Adam’s body. “Fatal levels of fentanyl” were present in his blood, the medical examiner noted in the document.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills, to increase their effects. However, this also increases the risk of overdose and death, as users may not be aware of the amount or purity of fentanyl they are consuming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl was involved in 60% of opioid-related deaths in 2019.
Flualprazolam is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. However, they can also cause sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction, especially when taken with other substances, such as opioids or alcohol. Flualprazolam is not approved for medical use in the United States, but it is available online as a designer drug or a research chemical.
Mitragynine is the main active ingredient in kratom, a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Kratom has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine and a stimulant, but it can also have opioid-like effects at high doses. Kratom is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and its safety and efficacy have not been established. Some users claim that kratom can help with pain, depression, and opioid withdrawal, but others report adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, and liver damage.
Ethanol is the common name for alcohol, a psychoactive substance that can impair judgment, coordination, and memory. Alcohol can also interact with other drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, and increase the risk of overdose and death. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol was involved in 14% of drug overdose deaths in 2018.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can increase energy, alertness, and euphoria. However, it can also cause anxiety, paranoia, and heart problems. Cocaine can also interact with other drugs, such as opioids and alcohol, and increase the risk of overdose and death. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cocaine was involved in 37% of drug overdose deaths in 2019.
A Tragic Loss for the Online Community
Adam Perkins’ death shocked and saddened his fans and fellow content creators, who remembered him for his humor, talent, and kindness. His viral Vine video, “Welcome to Chili’s”, had accumulated over 25 million loops on Vine before the app shut down in 2016, according to Variety. He also released his first album, Latch Relay, in 2018 under the name Plas Teg.
His twin brother, Patrick Perkins, paid tribute to him on Instagram, saying, “I can’t even really put into words what this loss means for me. Being a twin is a very central part of my identity. It’s all I’ve known. And I’m struggling to find the words to explain what it will be like for me to live in this world without him. I love you, my best friend Adam. 1997-forever.”
Many other celebrities and influencers also expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Adam on social media. Some of them include:
- Brittany Furlan, a former Vine star and actress, who tweeted, “RIP Adam Perkins. The humor he created will go on for a long time. Sending love to his family and friends. And a reminder to all to hold your loved ones close and do what makes you happy while you have time on this earth.”
- Drew Gooden, a former Vine star and YouTube comedian, who tweeted, “I never met Adam Perkins but his vines were some of the most creative and memorable ones I ever saw. He was a huge inspiration to me and many others. Rest in peace, man. You will be missed.”
- Chris Melberger, a former Vine star and Twitch streamer, who tweeted, “Adam Perkins was one of the most original & unique creators on vine. He was always kind and supportive of others. I’m grateful for the laughs he gave us and the ones we shared together. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Rest easy, king.”
Adam Perkins’ cause of death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and the need for more awareness and prevention. His legacy will live on through his music and his videos, which brought joy and laughter to millions of people. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and fans.
