Hawkins ‘had ten substances in his system’
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins had ten different substances in his system at the time of his death, Colombian officials said.
The 50-year-old was playing on the South American leg of the band’s world tour when his sudden death was announced on Saturday.
In a statement following an initial forensic examination, the Colombian Attorney General’s Office said a preliminary toxicology test indicated the presence of ten different substances, including marijuana, antidepressants and opioids.
The statement continued: “The National Institute of Forensic Medicine continues toconductthenecessarymedical studies to ascertain the cause of death. The Attorney General’s Office will continue to investigate and will duly inform the findings of forensic examinations in due time.”
The rock group played in Argentina last Sunday and were due to perform in Bogota on Friday night.
It comes after the Bogota municipal government said the city’s emergency centre received a report of a patient with “chest pain” and sent an ambulance on Friday evening.
Paramedics attempted to revive Hawkins but he was declared dead at his hotel in northern Bogota, the statement added.
The band, fronted by former Nirvana star Dave Grohl, said they were “devastated by the untimely loss” and asked for the privacy of Hawkins’ family to be respected.
Tributes have poured in from titans of the music industry, with Queen drummer Roger Taylor comparing his death to “losing a favourite brother”.
“He was a kind brilliant man and an inspirational mentor to my son Rufus and the best friend one could ever have. Devastated,” he said.
Meanwhile Queen guitarist Brian May said he is “heartbroken” adding that Hawkins was “family to us”. Hawkins will appear on May’s upcoming remasteredsecondsoloalbum, Another World Revisited.
Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose said Hawkins was a “really great guy, drummer n’ family man” adding that he was “truly saddened” by his death.
Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger also paid tribute,
writing: “So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Taylor Hawkins. My thoughts are with his family and the band at this time.”