Mike Starr Was Mixing Methadone And Anxiety Medication

click to enlargeAs a follow up to the tragic news we reported HERE yesterday concerning the death of former ALICE IN CHAINS bassist MIKE STARR, it is now reported by TMZ that he was mixing drugs shortly before his death.

Mike had been using methadone recently in an effort to get sober -- but he had also been taking medication to battle anxiety issues he had been suffering from since his arrest last month.

It was said that Mike was doing a pretty good job managing his medication -- but according to Mike's roommate, Starr was "mixing" the meds Monday night .. just hours before he died.  

Starr's roommate added, "Mike was a beautiful person who was fighting to stay sober ... I am going to miss him greatly."

It has been rumored that he was living in Salt Lake City while working with TRAVIS MEEKS on a relaunch of the band DAYS OF THE NEW, but at this time we cannot confirm this.

The members of ALICE IN CHAINS have released the following statement regarding the passing of their friend and former band mate:

"Jerry [Cantrell, guitar]and Sean [Kinney, drums] are mourning the loss of their friend and ask that the media respect their privacy — and the privacy of the Starr family — during this difficult time. Their thoughts and prayers are with the Starr family."

Many musicians and music journalists have taken to Twitter and Facebook to offer their condolences:

Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES): "Really tragic news about Mike Starr. RIP."

Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE): "RIP Mike Starr. Another fallen soldier to addiction... :("

Steven Adler (GUNS N' ROSES, ADLER'S APPETITE): "I love and will miss my brother Mike Starr and I'm doing whatever it takes to not hurt all my friends and family that way!! Peace and love my brother Mike Starr!!!"

Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES): "Drugs and alcohol aren't a joke. Please take care of yourself and respect yourself. We lost Mike Starr today. Rest in Peace man."

Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD): "RIP Mike Starr... I watched his struggle on 'Celebrity Rehab' and had my fingers crossed for his recovery... this disease kills... sad stuff..."

Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD): "Horrible news. RIP Mike Starr."

Lonn Friend "Mike Starr called my Pirate show in 92 with Pauley Shore. They were drunk. Lost touch with him for 16 years 'til the Joint birthday jam with Harry. He was clean trying desperately to stay that way. Asked me to relate a message to Jerry Cantrell. "Can you thank him for me, Lonn? For giving me a shot. I never got to tell him." He was a gentle soul but a hopeless addict. Like Harry said, rest in peace, Mikey."

Artisan News Service have posted the following audio statement from Sgt. Shawn Josephson of the Salt Lake City Police Department regarding the passing of Mike Starr.