Rapper Mac Miller reportedly dies of apparent drug overdose

PHOENIX — Rapper Mac Miller died Friday of an apparent drug overdose in his Los Angeles-area home. He was 26.

TMZ first reported the news, saying he was found dead at his San Fernando Valley residence around noon after authorities responded to a 911 call.

“He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans,” Miller’s family said in a statement.

In July, Miller announced a tour that was scheduled to stop at Phoenix’s Comerica Theatre on Nov. 2.

His latest album, “Swimming,” was released in August.

Miller, whose given name was Malcolm James McCormick, had been dating singer Ariana Grande until they broke up in May.

In 2013, Miller collaborated with Grande on her first hit single, “The Way.”

Miller had six singles to his credit that were certified gold or platinum, including the 2013 hit “Donald Trump.”

His first album, 2011’s “Blue Slide Park,” debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. on the Billboard 200 chart.

Police lines were pulled up and a coroner’s van left the cul-de-sac where Miller lived late Friday afternoon. About 10 news vans remained. Another rapper, Pittsburgh Slim, appeared and left flowers.

While Miller didn’t have a hit on Top 40 radio, he had a strong following on streaming networks. He often alluded to his battles with addiction over the years and had collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla $ign.

At the news of his death, Chance the Rapper tweeted: “I don’t know what to say Mac Miller took me on my second tour ever. But beyond helping me launch my career he was one of the sweetest guys I ever knew. Great man. I loved him for real. I’m completely broken. God bless him.”

J Cole said on Twitter: “This is a message for anybody in this game that’s going through something. If you don’t feel right, if you feel you have a substance problem, if you need a ear to vent to. If you uncomfortable talking to people around you. Please reach out to me.”

Not long after his split with Grande, Miller was charged with DUI and hit and run after police said he struck a power pole and fled the scene. His blood alcohol was reportedly twice the legal limit.

“I made a stupid mistake. I’m a human being,” Miller told Zane Lowe on Beats 1 on Apple Music in July. “But it was the best thing that could have happened. Best thing that could have happened. I needed that. I needed to run into that light pole and literally have the whole thing stop.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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