In a sad conclusion to a tragic life, the Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed that actor Brad Renfro died from an accidental overdose of heroin.The cause of death was ruled "acute heroin/morphine intoxication," and the drugs were injected, according to the coroner's office. "The final manner of death has been ruled an accident," the coroner reported. The 25-year-old former child actor was found dead in his L.A. home on January 15.
Renfro made his big-screen debut opposite Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon in the adaptation of the John Grisham bestseller The Client when he was 12.
"It was obvious to everyone that he was the sweetest, most incredibly gifted young actor to come along for some time," Sarandon said Wednesday in remembrance of her onetime costar. "My heart goes out to the family for their tragic loss."
Over the years, Renfro continued to work steadily but never regained the same buzz factor, as rumors of his substance-abuse problems frequently outweighed all other publicity.
In December 2005, he was busted by L.A. police during a sting operation on skid row. He pleaded guilty to attempted possession of heroin and was sentenced to rehab and three years' probation.
Speaking to reporters in April 2006, the actor expressed optimism about his chances of staying clean with the help of a treatment program.
"It wasn't as bad as I had feared it would be," he said of completing a court-ordered detox program.
"It's helped me greatly. It's definitely been an eye-opener...I'm going to stay clean, and in turn, it will help me spiritually and with work.
"It's going to help me in all phases of my life."
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