Former Alice in Chains Bassist Found Dead in Salt Lake City

I recently read that Mike Starr, the original bassist for hard rock band Alice in Chains, was found dead on Tuesday March 8, 2011 in Salt Lake City. According to the article, the 44 year old was found dead in a home at 1986 S. Richards Street (55 West) just after 1:40 p.m. on March 8, 2011. Police were called to the home for a possible death and confirmed that the deceased individual was Starr. They have not released a possible cause of death. The Utah State Medical Examiner's Office has the body and will perform an autopsy.

Starr was arrested in Salt Lake City on Feb. 17, when he was riding in the passenger seat of a van that was pulled over on a routine traffic violation. According to jail documents, Starr was illegally in possession of prescription medication, including the painkiller Opana, also known as oxymorphone, and alprazalam pills, used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. The arresting officer also found Starr had a warrant out for his arrest. According to Utah court records, Starr was convicted in 3rd District Court in 2003 of felony drug possession. But a bench warrant was issued on Aug. 25, 2003 when he failed to appear for sentencing.

Starr had not been with the band Alice in Chains since around the time its second album, "Dirt," was released. The album became a collection that went on to sell more than 4 million copies, but seemingly chronicled the dark path the group was headed on.