Mac Miller found dead of suspected overdose at 26

Rapper Mac Miller was found dead on Friday of an apparent overdose, Variety has confirmed. He was 26.

He was found in his Studio City, California home at about noon. TMZ reported that a male friend called 911 from Miller's home. Emergency dispatch audio revealed first responders were called for a patient in cardiac arrest, according to the website.

In a statement issued Friday to Rolling Stone, Miller's family called the musician "a bright light in this world."

"Malcolm McCormick, known and adored by fans as Mac Miller, has tragically passed away at the age of 26," the statement began. "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."

The recording artist had struggled with substance abuse in the past. Just last month, the Los Angeles Attorney's Office officially charged the rapper with driving under the influence (DUI), stemming from a car accident in May in the San Fernando Valley.

He had been open about his struggles previously, referencing drug abuse and death in earlier mixtapes. "I used to rap super openly about really dark s--t," he told Vulture in a profile that published on Friday. "That's what I was experiencing at the time. That's fine, that's good, that's life. It should be all the emotions."

Miller had been in a long-term relationship with Ariana Grande, 25, which ended this past May. Shortly after his car accident and arrest that same month, Grande tweeted "pls take care of yourself."

Miller had just been preparing to embark on a U.S. tour after releasing his most recent album, Swimming, on August 3. It was set to kick off on October 27 in San Francisco, California.

"I just wanna go on tour," he tweeted on Thursday. "The show is going to be special every night. I wish it started tomorrow."

Miller's final Instagram Story included video clips of him performing his song 'Hurt Feelings' on stage.

The final four clips were of a record player spinning his song 'So It Goes,' in which he sings the lyrics: "Nine lives, never, die, f--k a heaven, I'm still gettin' high."

Celebrities have flocked to Twitter to express grief over Miller's passing.

Wrote Chance the Rapper: "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. Im completely broken. God bless him."

Added pop singer Shawn Mendes: "Unreal. So sad. RIP Mac Miller ❤️"

Rapper J Cole wrote: "Rest In Peace to the great soul Mac Miller."

Added singer Solange Knowles: "Rest in your peace Mac Miller. Always exuded so much kindness and goodness. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us all."

https://twitter.com/solangeknowles/status/1038172867739836416

Rapper Jaden Smith tweeted: "Long Live Mac Miller, Rest In Peace We Love You."

Pop star Bebe Rehxa wrote: I am so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of @MacMiller. Sending love and light to all of his friends, family and fans."

Daytime talk host Ellen DeGeneres wrote: I cannot imagine what Mac Miller’s family and loved ones are feeling right now. I send love to his family, his friends, and his fans.

Grande had previously been targeted by online bullies who blamed Miller's recent legal troubles on their breakup. It appeared as of Friday, the comments on Grande's Instagram had been disabled following the news of Miller's death. The 'God Is a Woman' singer, who is now engaged to Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson, has not commented publicly on Miller's death.

More to come...

If you, or someone you know would like to talk to someone confidentially about addiction, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Reach Out. In an emergency, call 000.