Thomas Kinkade autopsy reportedly shows death from alcohol, valium
Famed artist Thomas Kinkade died of an accidental overdose of alcohol and valium, according to autopsy findings reported Monday by a Bay Area news organization.
Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light," died April 6 at his home in Monte Sereno, a community near Los Gatos in the Bay Area.
The findings of the Santa Clara County coroner's report were published by NBC Bay Area News.
PHOTOS: The work of Thomas Kinkade
Millions of Kinkade's paintings and prints hang in homes around the world, popularity that translated to more than $50 million in earnings for the artist from 1997 to 2005 alone. Lauded for his generosity, he once gave an Anaheim widow $25,000 worth of his art to replace what she'd lost in a fire.
Kinkade’s brother Patrick told the Mercury News last month that years of mean-spirited personal attacks on the painter and a split from his wife and four daughters had worn Kinkade down. That led to a battle with alcoholism over the last four to five years, according to the report.
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— Robert J. Lopez
Photo: Artist Thomas Kinkade unveils his painting "Prayer for Peace" in Atlanta on Sept. 15, 2006. Credit: Gene Blythe / Associated Press
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