The cause of Nolan Neal's death has been revealed - three months after it was announced that the reality TV star has passed away.
The 41-year-old Nashville-based singer is perhaps best known by fans for his appearances on season 11 of The Voice and season 15 of America's Got Talent. Tragically, the musician was found dead in his apartment back on July 18, with Neal's cousin - Dylan Seals - confirming the singer's untimely death.
Shortly after Neal's passing, Seals told PEOPLE that his cousin had "ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse."
"He was always open and honest about that struggle," Seals said. "He was a loving father and son. A light to all who knew him. My heart goes out to his two children and his mother Cathy."
Now, the Davidson County Medical Examiner's office in Nashville has confirmed to the New York Post's Page Six that Neal died from "acute combined drug toxicity".
The singer's death was ruled an accident.
A spokesperson from the coroner's office also confirmed to the outlet that a cocktail of morphine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl was found in Neal's system.
At the time of Neal's death, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department told Page Six that "the victim reportedly struggled with substance abuse".
Simon Cowell also shared his thoughts on Neal's death during an interview with PEOPLE, saying: "Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years.
"I was thinking about this the other day. People [who] passed too soon. Every time it happens, because you've gotten to know them, it's horrible."
"The unfortunate thing is it's happened too many times and every time it happens, it's hard," the 62-year-old music mogul added.
Back in 2020, Neal opened up about his battles with substance abuse in an interview with WBIR.
During the interview, Neal recalled what had previously ended his period of sobriety, explaining: "I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab. Stayed clean
"I joined the rock band Hinder, they were all about drinking and partying. This is not their fault."
The musician continued: "I had decided I wanted to drink like a normal person, I remember trying to be normal and fitting in. I remember pretending to be normal, I was just lying to myself telling myself that I could control it."
Neal also opened up about battling addiction during his appearance on The Voice in 2016.
"I kind of lost my way on The Voice and continued drinking," he said. "You can see it. I can see it."
Following Neal's passing, his daughter, Caylin, set up a GoFundMe in order to help raise funds for her father's funeral.
In the description she wrote: |My Dad passed away suddenly. The expenses that come from this are extensive as we are trying to prepare for his funeral and fly in his son and loved ones. If you want to help in any way, you can donate here. Anything is appreciated and I am so grateful for the community rallying behind us."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Neal's family, friends, and fans at this time.
