Thomas Kinkade Died of Booze, Valium OD: Coroner

Painter Thomas Kinkade died of an accidental overdose of alcohol and Valium, according to a California coroner's report. "Mr. Kinkade died of respiratory depression as a result of a high concentration of ethanol combined with benzodiazepine use," the Santa Clara County Coroner's Office determined in a report released by NBC Bay Area TV. The report specifically mentioned Diazepam, which is marketed as Valium. Kinkade, 54, had battled alcoholism for years, and was upset about the breakup of his marriage, financial problems, and poor critical reception of his work, according to his brother. He died in his northern California home last month. (More Thomas Kinkade stories.)