Country Singer Luke Bell Died of an Accidental Fentanyl Overdose After Going Missing

Luke Bell’s cause of death was a fentanyl overdose.

The country singer died at age 32 in Tucson, Arizona, on Aug. 26 after going missing six days prior.

According to the autopsy, Bell also suffered arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease at the time of his death but it was not what caused his death.

The medical examiner writes in the report, “in consideration of the known circumstances surrounding this death, the available medical history, and the examination of the remains, the cause of death is ascribed to fentanyl intoxication.”

“The manner of death is accident,” the medical examiner concludes.

Luke Bell.Frazer Harrison/Getty

ABC 9 KGUN9 Tucsonwas the first to report news of the medical examiner’s findings on Tuesday.

Bell’s friend Matt Kinman confirmed the singer had died toSaving Country Musicon Aug. 29.

According toSaving Country Music,Bell was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and his “mental state took a turn for the worse” over recent months.

“Luke fought this as hard as he could, but the disease got the better of him,” Bell’s manager, Brian Buchanan, toldTMZ. “When he was beating the disease, he was the sweetest and most generous guy. He’s found peace now and there’s some comfort.”

In a statement shared with PEOPLE earlier this month, the country singer’s relatives said they had “lost our beloved son, brother, and friend and we are heartbroken,” after Bell was found dead.

Bell’s loved ones praised him for having “a gentle heart, a wanderer’s spirit and a musical gift that he was fortunate to share with us and the world.”

Luke Bell.Laura E. Partain

“We are so grateful to his friends and fans for embracingLuke and his music. We would like to thank all of Luke’s fans, friends and family who have been sharing stories and photos of happy times with him,” they continued.

“As we navigate our heartbreak we respectfully ask for privacy to allow us room to grieve and honor his memory. Our only comfort comes in the fact that our Luke is finally free and at peace,” the family concluded.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com