Playboy model Masuimi Max's cause of death has been revealed after she sadly died at the age of 45.
The model and actress - who was featured in a Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube movie - was found at her Las Vegas home on January 25, as reported by TMZ.
The publication shared that police officers received a call before 8:30 AM and responded to Masuimi's residence, where they found her body. At the time, no foul play was suspected but an investigation into her death was conducted.
The 45-year-old's friend Ashleeta Beauchamp paid tribute in an emotional post, writing: "I'm so grateful to have known her in that way and for everything she did for me," adding: "I’m just so saddened and in disbelief to hear of her passing it feels unreal ….we truly lost one of the pioneers of this industry and I’m so heartbroken. I’m sending all my love to her family, friends, and colleagues…I just cannot believe it."
According to a report by TMZ, the late Jacksonville-born model tragically died from a fentanyl and cocaine overdose. Her death has been ruled accidental.
Fentanyl was originally developed in Belgium in the 1950s to help cancer patients with their pain management. However, given its extreme potency, it has become popular amongst recreational drug users. Over 150 people lose their lives every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, per the CDC.
The rate of overdose deaths involving the drug skyrocketed by 279% between 2016 and 2021 from 5.7 per 100,000 to 21.6 per 100,000, according to an NBC report from the National Center for Health Statistics' National Vital Statistics System.
Max has appeared in several publications, after beginning her modeling career in 2000. Aside from Playboy, she was featured in Maxim, Alt Magazine, and Bizarre Magazine as well as other publications.
She also had acting credits under her name, starring in Cornman: American Vegetable Hero (2001), Giantess Battle Attack (2022), and also had an uncredited role as Zeke's girlfriend in xXx: State of the Union (2005), starring Samuel L. Jackson and Ice Cube.
In recent years, Max transitioned over to alternative modeling and amassed over 300K followers on her Instagram page.
Her final post on Instagram was from six days before her death, promoting a forthcoming event she was going to take part in. Following news of her passing, many fans took to the comment section to express their condolences.
"So sad to hear you’ve crossed over, friend. Miss you," one user wrote, while another said: "RIP. She was in a pole fitness class that I was taking a few years ago. She was so kind and funny. I didn't realize how famous she was until much later and with good reason. Everyone loved her and she had such a dynamic personality. She was so nice to me, I'll never forget her. Rest in peace or haunt whoever you'd like to sweet angel."
A third added: "I could not believe it when I saw the news of your passing. I remember how great of a person you were to me. Your energy would fill the room. Now your spirit has no bounds. Rest In Power."
Our thoughts are with Max's family, friends and fans.