Thomas Kinkade died of alcohol, Valium overdose

Thomas Kinkade, the popular painter who died in April at age 54, was killed by an accidental overdose of alcohol and Valium, according to the medical examiner of Santa Clara County, Calif.

The autopsy report of the artist, which was released Monday, stated that Kinkade died of “acute ethanol and Diazepam intoxication” and that the death was accidental. Diazepam is an anti-anxiety drug that is found in prescription Valium.

Kinkade died April 6 at his home in Monte Sereno, a community near Los Gatos in the Bay Area.

PHOTOS: The work of Thomas Kinkade

In the weeks following his death, reports surfaced stating that Kinkade had recently relapsed into alcoholism. The artist, known for his sentimental paintings of cottages and pastoral scenes, was also said to be facing financial problems.

Kinkade was separated from his wife at the time of his death and was reportedly living with his girlfriend. His wife recently filed a restraining order against the girlfriend in an attempt to prevent her from disclosing information on the Kinkade business.

The artist had come under fire in the past for what some claimed to be unfair business practices. In a 2006 Times report, some former gallery owners depicted Kinkade as a ruthless businessman who drove them to financial ruin.

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