Scott Weiland Dies At 48, Bandmate Arrested For Cocaine Found On Tour Bus
The music world was rocked by the news that former Stone Temple Pilots front-man, Scott Weiland, was found dead on December 3, in Bloomington, Minnesota. His body was found late Thursday night on the tour bus of Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, his current band.
The legendary musician, who skyrocketed to fame in the 90’s with Stone Temple Pilots and later Velvet Revolver, was 48-years-old. KIRO 7 is currently reporting that a bandmate of Weiland, Thomas Delton Black, 47, has been arrested for suspicion of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance. Black has not been formally charged.
Police investigating the tour bus where Scott Weiland was found reportedly found a suspicious substance in the area of the tour bus Black had been occupying. That substance ultimately tested positive for cocaine. The same substance was found in the room belonging to Scott Weiland. Weiland has a well-known and admitted history of substance abuse, which has dogged his life and career for years. His former Stone Temple Pilots bandmates released a statement on Friday, following the news of his death, according to ABC News.
“Dear Scott, Let us start by saying thank you for sharing your life with us. Together we crafted a legacy of music that has given so many people happiness and great memories. The memories are many, and they run deep for us. We know amidst the good and the bad you struggled, time and time again. It’s what made you who you were. You were gifted beyond words, Scott. Part of that gift was part of your curse. With deep sorrow for you and your family, we are saddened to see you go. All of our love and respect. We will miss you brother, Robert, Eric, Dean.”
The Star Tribune reports that Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts had previously had a concert scheduled for the night of Thursday, December 3, at the Medina Entertainment Center. However, that show had been cancelled more than a week prior due to underwhelming ticket sales. The band’s next performance would have been on December 4, in Rochester.
A rep for Scott Weiland almost immediately posted the news of his death to his social media accounts. The post simply stated that he had “passed away in his sleep while on a tour stop” and implored fans to respect the privacy of his family.
It has surfaced that Scott Weiland’s immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest, reports Metal Injection. No underlying cause has yet been released, so it’s not known whether or not the cocaine found in the vicinity of Scott Weiland contributed to his death.
It’s also unknown if the pending drug possession charges against Thomas Black could ultimately include charges directly related to the death of Scott Weiland, should it be determined that cocaine did contribute to his death. However, CNN is reporting that authorities don’t believe that Black’s drug possession case is connected to Weiland’s death.
“There was nothing that appeared suspicious at the scene, and no evidence of foul play.”
Police ultimately confiscated the cocaine (described in all accounts as a “small amount”) found at the scene of Scott Weiland’s death, along with other items of evidence. The police’s press release didn’t disclose the nature of the additional items removed from the tour bus.
While the Bloomington Police Department continues its investigation into the tragic and untimely death of Scott Weiland, his fans, friends, family and fellow musicians continue to mourn. His death is a huge blow to not just the world of music, but the world in general.
The hashtag #ScottWeiland has surfaced on Twitter, and people the world over have been sharing their love and condolences for this talented musician, and sending their best wishes to his family. Scott Weiland is survived by his wife, Jamie Wachtel, and two teenage children.
[Image Courtesy Of Rich Fury/Invision/AP Images]
