Three months after his sudden death shook the hip-hop world, Tay Keith's cause of death has been confirmed.
The Grammy-nominated producer, born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, died from an accidental drug overdose, according to an autopsy report obtained by ABC News and first reported by TMZ. The Nashville Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as "toxic effects of drugs," identifying a combination of mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl - compounds found in kratom - along with ketamine in his system. Nicotine and ethanol were also detected, and the report noted Keith had mild coronary artery disease, though that condition was not cited as a cause of death.
The report does not establish how the substances entered Keith's system, and investigators have not clarified whether he knowingly consumed kratom.
Keith, 29, was found dead on June 18 inside his Nashville apartment after Metro Nashville Police conducted a welfare check. Officials said no foul play was suspected at the time, and the case has since been closed with the manner of death ruled an accident.
The Memphis-born producer built a career shaping the sound of modern hip-hop, working with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Travis Scott, and Eminem. He also founded the production collective Drumatized and remained closely tied to Middle Tennessee State University, his alma mater, which later named him an honorary professor.
As the music community continues to mourn his loss, many collaborators and fans have kept Keith's family in their prayers during a difficult season of grief.
Related Articles:
- Tay Keith Dead at 29: Grammy-Nominated Producer Found in Nashville
- Tay Keith Cause of Death Update: Autopsy Pending, BlocBoy JB Tribute
- Drake Tribute to Tay Keith Death: "Endless, Eternal Gratitude"
