Ex-Alice in Chains Rocker Mike Starr Dies at 44

Mike Starr, the former Alice in Chains bassist who opened up about his drug problems on season three of “Celebrity Rehab,” was found dead in Utah Tuesday, TMZ first confirmed. He was 44.

Cops discovered the late rocker’s body Tuesday afternoon at a house in Salt Lake City after receiving a call about a body, Reuters reported. They did not expect foul play.

The medical examiner’s office planned to conduct an autopsy on Wednesday, though it could be two months before the results of a toxicology test come in, the wire service added.

"It's a terrible shock and tragedy," Starr’s dad told TMZ.

News of the Hawaii-born musician’s death comes nearly nine years after Alice in Chains frontman Layne Stanley was discovered dead of a drug overdose.

Starr was kicked out of the band in 1992 following the release of the grunge outfit’s hit album “Dirt.” According to Reuters, he may have been the last person to see his former bandmate alive.

In interviews with Dr. Drew Pinsky and on Pinsky’s VH1 show “Celebrity Rehab,” Starr talked about his guilt over Stanley’s death, Reuters reported.

"Devastating to hear of Mike Starr succumbing to his illness,” Pinsky tweeted. “So very sad. Our prayers are with his family."

Starr went on to appear on the reality show “Sober House.”

Last month, Starr was arrested on felony possession of a controlled substance for prescription painkillers, TMZ reported.

Selected Reading: TMZ, Reuters, MTV

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