Tay Keith cause of death revealed after Grammy-nominated producer dies aged 29
Photo: AFP
Grammy-nominated record producer Tay Keith died from an accidental drug overdose, according to multiple media reports citing his autopsy report.
The producer, whose real name was Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, was found dead aged 29 in Nashville, Tennessee, in June.
According to ABC News, which obtained the autopsy report, and Rolling Stone, Chambers died from a combination of "mitragynine, 7-hydroxy mitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and ketamine toxicity". TMZ was the first to report his cause of death.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information describes mitragynine as a naturally occurring compound found in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, the plant commonly known as kratom.
The centre notes that mitragynine is frequently regarded as having opioid-like effects.
TMZ also reported that Chambers had mild coronary artery disease. According to ABC News and Rolling Stone, the medical examiner determined that his death was accidental.
Chambers was found on June 18 after Metro Nashville Police conducted a welfare check at an apartment. Authorities said at the time that no foul play was suspected.
The Memphis-born producer worked with major artists including Beyoncé, Cardi B and Drake. He received two Grammy nominations, including for Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode" in 2019 and Drake and 21 Savage's "Rich Flex" in 2024.
Following his death, Drake paid tribute on Instagram, writin, "Endless and eternal gratitude for your spirit and your contributions to this thing that we all love so much…you will be deeply missed."