Black Widow
04-10-2009, 01:30 PM
FORMER WWE wrestler Andrew 'Test' Martin died after overdosing on the painkiller known as 'Hillbilly heroin', The Sun can reveal.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner announced that the cause of death was Oxycodone intoxication and ruled the manner of death was accidental overdose.
Oxycodone is the addictive ingredient found in the painkiller OxyContin.
The pill, dubbed ‘Hillbilly heroin’, is widely abused and linked to hundreds of deaths in the US including that of Test's fellow wrestler Sensational Sherri Martel and Oscar winning actor Heath Ledger.
Test was found dead at his apartment in Tampa, Florida, on March 14 after a neighbour reported that he had appeared motionless for several hours.
The 33-year-old grappler was known to have had issues with steroids, painkillers and alcohol throughout the last decade – although he had recently completed a successful stint in rehab paid for by his former employer.
Dick Bailey, Manager of Operations at Hillsborough County, said: “Dr Vernard Adams, Chief Medical Examiner, conducted the autopsy of Mr Andrew Martin on March 14 2009.
“Additional studies were required to determine the cause and manner of death.
“On April 9 2009, Dr Adams completed the required studies and issued the following cause and manner of death opinions.
“Cause of Death: Intoxication by Oxycodone.
“Manner of Death: Accident.”
Test held World Wrestling Entertainment’s intercontinental, European and hardcore belts. He was also a tag team champion.
The Sun
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner announced that the cause of death was Oxycodone intoxication and ruled the manner of death was accidental overdose.
Oxycodone is the addictive ingredient found in the painkiller OxyContin.
The pill, dubbed ‘Hillbilly heroin’, is widely abused and linked to hundreds of deaths in the US including that of Test's fellow wrestler Sensational Sherri Martel and Oscar winning actor Heath Ledger.
Test was found dead at his apartment in Tampa, Florida, on March 14 after a neighbour reported that he had appeared motionless for several hours.
The 33-year-old grappler was known to have had issues with steroids, painkillers and alcohol throughout the last decade – although he had recently completed a successful stint in rehab paid for by his former employer.
Dick Bailey, Manager of Operations at Hillsborough County, said: “Dr Vernard Adams, Chief Medical Examiner, conducted the autopsy of Mr Andrew Martin on March 14 2009.
“Additional studies were required to determine the cause and manner of death.
“On April 9 2009, Dr Adams completed the required studies and issued the following cause and manner of death opinions.
“Cause of Death: Intoxication by Oxycodone.
“Manner of Death: Accident.”
Test held World Wrestling Entertainment’s intercontinental, European and hardcore belts. He was also a tag team champion.
The Sun