Adam Rich, who is renowned for his role as Nicholas Bradford in the sitcom Eight Is Enough, tragically passed away on January 7, 2023, at the age of 54. However, the exact cause of his death was initially unknown, despite it being previously mentioned as an accident.
Following recent information released by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office, it has been determined that the actor died from the “effects of fentanyl.” His publicist, Danny Deraney, also confirmed the news in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “It was an accidental overdose of fentanyl,” he told the news outlet. “The alcohol found in his system was produced by organs following his death. That is according to the doctor who performed the autopsy.”
His publicist says the new information about Adam Rich’s death is a relief to his family members
Deraney, who previously took to his Twitter account to announce the actor’s death, expressed his admiration for him while also noting that he was an amazing person. “Adam was simply a wonderful guy. He was kind, generous, and a warrior in the fight against mental illness,” he wrote. “Adam did not have an ounce of ego. He was unselfish and always looked out for those he cared about, which is why many people who grew up with him feel a part of their childhood gone and sad today. He really was America’s Little Brother.”
RELATED: Adam Rich from ‘Eight Is Enough’ Dead At 54
In his latest release to EW, he revealed that Rich’s family is happy about the new information as it laid to rest their suspicions. “The family and I are relieved that our assumptions were correct in that he was not using any hard drugs, which initial reports suggested,” Deraney admitted. “Unfortunately, Adam becomes another statistic to our broader fentanyl problem.”
Adam Rich was loved by all
Many of Rich’s friends and costars all paid their respects to him after the news of his death broke out. Willie Aames, known for his portrayal of Tommy, the actor’s on-screen older brother in Eight Is Enough, shared his heartfelt tribute through a Facebook post. “This morning [my wife] Winnie woke me with the heartbreaking news of Adam Rich’s passing,” he wrote. “I’m gutted. Adam was more than a colleague. He was very much my only little brother. A lifelong friend. These last few years, Adam had dreams of renewing his career. He was one of those kid actors that our generation will always remember.”
STAR MAX, Inc. – copyright 2003.
9/03/03
Adam Rich at the world premiere of “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” benefitting the Chris Farley Foundation.
(Hollywood, CA)
Betty Buckley, who played the role of Sandra Sue “Abby” Mitchell Abbott Bradford in the series, also took to Instagram to share a couple of photographs of herself and the late actor. “Adam Rich was a light and my young pal for the four seasons I was blessed to work with him on ‘Eight Is Enough.’ I adored him and loved working with him in our scenes together on the show. He was so sweet, funny, fresh, and natural. He brought a lot of joy to all of us on the show and to our audiences,” the post reads. “Adam and I have remained friends all of these years. His love and support have always meant a lot to me. I am shocked by the news I received this morning of his death. Sending my love and deepest condolences to his friends and family. In recent years Adam dedicated himself to providing inspiration for others with mental and emotional illness. I will miss him greatly.”