Painter Thomas Kinkade?s Death Due To Alcohol And Valium Overdose, Coroner Rules

Reuters reported that Kinkade's death was an accident from acute ethanol and Diazepam intoxication.

Diazepam is an active ingredient found in Valium. Diazepam is technically a muscle relaxant that can be used to treat seizures and agitation due to alcohol withdrawal, reported the San Jose Mercury News.

Mr. Kinkade died of respiratory depression as a result of a high concentration of ethanol combined with benzodiazepine use, California's Santa Clara County Medical Examiner's report stated according to NBC Bay Area News.

The coroner's report also said Kinkade suffered from high blood pressure and thickened artery walls in his heart due to high cholesterol, reported the Daily Mail.  

Patrick Kinkade, the painter's brother, told the San Jose Mercury News that he had battled alcoholism for many years and had relapsed a year before his accidental death.  

Patrick said the painter's separation from his wife, financial issues brought on by his manufacturing company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010, and the low opinion art critics had of his work contributed to his relapse.

The 'Painter of Light' was arrested for drunk driving in 2010. He pleaded no contest to the charges.

Kinkade died in his sleep in his home in Monte Sereno, California on April 6. He was 54. He is survived by his four daughters, Merritt, Chandler, Winsor, and Everett from his estranged wife, Nanette.

Kinkade painted more than 1, 000 pieces of idyllic scenes about America, reported CNN at the time of his death. It is estimated that he was the most-collected living artist before his death, with 1 in 20 American homes having a Kinkade piece.

Each year millions of people are drawn to the luminous light and tranquil mood of Kinkade's paintings and include his creations in their lives through prints, books, and other fine collectibles, his official website said.

I try to create paintings that are a window for the imagination, said Kinkade on his website. If people look at my work and are reminded of the way things once were or perhaps the way they could be, then I've done my job.