Fans and fellow artists have flocked to Twitter to share their grief over the death of Mac Miller. The 26-year-old musician was pronounced dead at 11:51 a.m. at his Studio City, California, home, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE.
A cause of death is yet to be determined, but a source tells PEOPLE the rapper had gone into cardiac arrest after appearing to suffer a drug overdose.
Miller — born Malcolm James McCormick — long battled substance abuse issues, particularly in the wake of his split with longtime girlfriend, Ariana Grande. In May he was arrested on DUI and hit-and-run charges.
“I made a stupid mistake,” Miller said during an interview with Beats 1 host Zayn Lowe in July. “I’m a human being. Like, [I] drove home drunk. But it was the best thing that could have happened. … I needed that. I needed to run into that light pole and literally, like, have the whole thing stop.”
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David Byrnes, an attorney for Miller, confirmed the death to the New York Times. TMZ was first to report the news.
“Malcolm McCormick, known and adored by fans as Mac Miller, has tragically passed away at the age of 26,” his family said in a statement provided to multiple outlets. “He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans. Thank you for your prayers. Please respect our privacy. There are no further details as to the cause of his death at this time.”
Chance the Rapper was among those who offered his thoughts, revealing that Miller played a major role in helping launch his career.
Post Malone echoed Chance’s words, saying that Miller was a major inspiration to him as a burgeoning artist.
John Mayer, who played guitar on the track “Small Worlds” from Miller’s latest album Swimming, posted a blank image on Instagram in tribute. “I’m so sad you couldn’t stay, Mac,” he wrote. “I’m so terribly sad.”
G-Eazy posted a photo of the two with a moving caption for the late rapper.
“Completely devastated and heart broken I’m at a loss for words mac you were like a brother to me and were there for me in the hardest of times, especially this summer. I can’t believe this is real,” he wrote. “Please tell your friends and the people you care about you love them life is so fucking fragile. You will be missed and your music will live on forever through the millions of people you touched. Thank you for all you gave us, love you bro.”
Macklemore wrote a heartfelt message about his own struggles with substance abuse.
“Such a genuine person. Brilliant sense of humor. A true artist. Your spirit is what impressed me the most. The energy you brought to any space you were in. Contagious. You reached out to me at times when others didn’t. You were human. And we shared the same disease. A disease that is out to kill us, and when left untreated eventually will.”
He continued, “I’m shaken. Shaken that someone who had such a light can be taken from this world so easily. It could have been me too many times to count. On the surface people that appear to have it all, are not exempt from the gravity and cunning nature of this disease. If you’re in the midst of addiction tell someone what’s going on. Don’t be a secret. Go to a 12 step meeting. Introduce yourself and you’ll be greeted with love and understanding from people that are fighting the same battle. Surrender. There are many paths, but it’s the only thing that has worked for me. I’m scared. Scared of how real this all is. Life and death.”
Macklemore concluded, “Beyond sad. Such a beautiful soul. Sending love to family, friends and everyone whose life was better because of your presence on this earth. Rest In Peace Mac 💔”
DJ Khaled, Khalid, Kehlani, and famed jeweler Ben Baller also tweeted messages of love to the late star.
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“All of us at Warner Bros. Records are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Mac Miller’s untimely passing. Mac was a hugely gifted and inspiring artist, with a pioneering spirit and a sense of humor that touched everyone he met,” Tom Corson, co-chairman and COO of Miller’s record company said in a statement.
“Mac’s death is a devastating loss and cuts short a life and a talent of huge potential, where the possibilities felt limitless. We join all of his fans across the globe in extending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the SAMHSA substance abuse helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
