Rapper Eyedea's family responds to OD death cause

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The family of Minnesota rapper Eyedea, who died of an accidental drug overdose, says he was not a drug addict or habitual user.

The family of Eyedea, whose real name was Michael Larsen, issued a statement Friday, the day after media reports that Larsen had died of "opiate toxicity."

Larsen's mother, Kathy Averill, says many factors played a role in her son's death, "one being a toxic level of prescription drugs."

Larsen, who was 28, was found dead in his St. Paul apartment on Oct. 16. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, his mother calls that evening "an isolated and accidental incident."

Larsen and childhood friend Max Keltgen recorded three albums as Eyedea and Abilities on Minneapolis hip-hop group Atmosphere's label, Rhymesayers Entertainment.

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