Blake Garrett Cause of Death Revealed as Fentanyl Overdose
Blake Garrett, the former child actor best known for playing Plug in the 2006 family film “How to Eat Fried Worms,” died from an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to a medical examiner’s report obtained by TMZ.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Garrett died from acute fentanyl toxicity, with the manner of death classified as an accident.
The report states that Garrett died in February at a sober living house in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 33 years old.
The medical examiner’s findings confirm the concerns previously shared by Garrett’s family, who believed his death may have been an accidental overdose.
Medical Examiner Releases Findings
According to the summary report, Garrett’s cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity.
The ruling classified the death as accidental, meaning officials did not determine that Garrett intended to harm himself.
Garrett’s mother, Carol Garrett, previously told TMZ after his death that he had recently been diagnosed with shingles and believed he may have accidentally overdosed while attempting to manage pain.
She also shared that her son had maintained sobriety for approximately three years before his death.
The medical examiner’s conclusion aligns with the possibility of an unintended overdose that Garrett’s family had feared.
Blake Garrett’s Early Acting Career
Before becoming known to audiences through How to Eat Fried Worms, Garrett built an acting résumé at a remarkably young age.
Born in Austin, Texas, Garrett began performing in local productions while still a child.
His early credits included roles in productions such as “Aladdin and His Magical Lamp” and “Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute.”
At just 10 years old, he joined the “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour,” performing for audiences across the country.
His early success placed him among a group of young performers who gained recognition before reaching their teenage years.
Breakthrough Role in ‘How to Eat Fried Worms’
Garrett’s biggest on-screen moment came in 2006 when he appeared in the family adventure comedy “How to Eat Fried Worms.”
He played the character Plug in the film, which was based on the popular children’s novel by Thomas Rockwell.
The performance helped introduce Garrett to a wider audience and earned him recognition at the Young Artist Awards, where he was part of the cast honored for Best Young Ensemble Cast.
The movie became the role many fans remembered him for, cementing his place in the memories of viewers who grew up with the film.
A Life Remembered Beyond Hollywood
While Garrett stepped away from the spotlight as he grew older, his early work left a lasting impression on fans of family entertainment.
His career reflected the experience of many young actors who find success early in life before moving into different chapters away from Hollywood.
Following news of his death, attention returned to the role that introduced him to audiences around the world and the childhood performances that shaped his legacy.
Why It Matters
Garrett’s death highlights the ongoing dangers associated with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has been linked to many accidental overdose deaths.
The medical examiner’s ruling provides clarity for Garrett’s family and fans who had been waiting for answers about what happened.
It also reinforces the importance of understanding that accidental overdoses can impact people from all backgrounds, including those who have previously worked toward recovery.
Human Angle
Behind the headlines was a former child performer whose family says he had been working to maintain sobriety and navigate health challenges.
Garrett’s mother described her belief that his death was a tragic accident, and the official findings now reflect that determination.
For fans who remember him from How to Eat Fried Worms, Garrett remains connected to a piece of childhood entertainment history.
Blake Garrett’s story ended far too soon, but his performances as a young actor continue to be remembered by the audiences who grew up watching him on screen.
