Although many remain in shock about the news Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman died of an apparent heroin overdose, authorities are focused on pinpointing the heroin strain — which may be to blame for dozens of other fatalities in the region.
The big news this morning is that there were multiple medications found in Philip’s New York City apartment. Among the pills found in his apartment were Clonidine HCL (blood pressure), Buprenorphine (addictions), Vyvanse (ADHD), Hydroxyzine (anxiety) and Methocarbamol (muscle relaxer). Although the sheer number of prescriptions may be alarming to those unfamiliar with addictions, Dr. Drew Pinsky said on CNN Live that everything aside from Vyvanse is routinely used in drug detox.
With those medications aside, investigators believe heroin is to blame in this case. Philip previously spoke openly about his addiction struggles.
“Anything I could get my hands on, I liked it all,” he told 60 Minutes in 2011. He relapsed in last spring and subsequently went to rehab.
Sources report a needle was still in his arm when his body was discovered on Sunday. There were also eight empty baggies, some of which were marked with an “Ace of Hearts” and “Ace of Spades” logo used by some dealers to brand their products. There is reportedly also surveillance footage from 8 p.m. on Saturday night of Philip withdrawing a large sum of money and handing it over to two men with messenger bags.
According to TMZ, officials are particularly interested in determining whether Philip used a strain of heroin laced with fentanyl. This strain, which is sometimes called “Theraflu” or “Bud Ice,” has been linked to more than 40 deaths in the Northeast in recent months.
Although the police investigation is likely to dominate headlines in coming days and week, Dr. Drew said we shouldn’t allow this to affect they way remember the great actor: “I think we should remind ourselves that because this gentleman had a chronic medical condition called ‘addiction,’ it does not diminish him as a person, as a father or his legacy.”
Sadly, Philip left behind three young children and his long-time girlfriend, Mimi O’Donnell. The family released a statement on Sunday…
We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.
Many of Hollywood’s biggest stars were among those who offered their love and support to the celebrated actor’s family…
“This is a horrible day for those who worked with Philip… He was a giant talent. Our hearts are open for his family,” said Tom Hanks in a statement. Tom and Philip worked together in Charlie Wilson’s War.
“This is one of those time where you say ‘this just shouldn’t be. He was so young and gifted and had so much going, so much to live for,” said Flawless co-star Robert De Niro.
“For the most sensitive among us the noise can be too much,” Jim Carrey said on Twitter. “Bless your heart.”
Philip most recently appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. His character, Plutarch Heavensbee, was staged to have a sizable role in the upcoming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. The film is in post-production, which means fans should have one last big chance to watch the talented actor.
