Hearts are heavy. Aaron Carter’s death at the age of 34 was “super shocking” to those closest to him, according to an exclusive source.
The ’00s star was discovered dead in his California home on Saturday, November 5, according to a rep. According to multiple sources, a 911 call was placed at 11 a.m. local time. Carter’s official cause of death has not yet been revealed, but the musician had a history of substance abuse and struggled with his mental health.
“Those who’ve known him for years never saw Aaron like this [before],” the source says, adding that friends noticed the Florida native exhibit “bizarre behavior” and “slurring his words” before his death.
Close confidants told Carter that “everyone wanted him to go to rehab,” but the Dancing With the Stars alum initially resisted.
Melanie Martin, the “I Want Candy” singer’s ex-fiancée, has also expressed concerns about her ex, with whom she has an 11-month-old son named Prince. “She was trying to help him get off drugs and into rehab on a regular basis,” the source says. “It was a never-ending battle.”
According to the insider, Martin “reached out” to an outpatient facility on Carter’s behalf, but the attempt failed.
During an exclusive interview with Us in December 2021, the “Aaron’s Party” singer previously gushed about his experience as a first-time father. “The person I am today — I want to be a better version of [the person] I was the day before.” So I want to be a better version of myself tomorrow than I was the day before,” he explained. “So that’s really what I’m aiming for, peace and serenity, and doing more of those things.” And really holding myself accountable for my flaws.”
Carter and Martin’s relationship has been rocky, with the couple breaking up and reuniting several times since they got engaged in June 2020. Despite the fact that they split earlier this year, the Bulgarian native has openly expressed her grief following the death of the House of Carter alum.
“I was really looking forward to getting married and having more children with him,” she said exclusively to Us on Monday, November 7. “I felt like we were really close, and I was excited to spend the holidays with my family again.” I’m devastated and can’t wait to see my wonderful soulmate again. We never gave up on our love, and I believe we couldn’t live without one another.”
Meanwhile, the late pop star was previously open about his darkest moments. “I thought I’d die before I was 30,” he told Us in 2017. “Even when I was 13, 14, I remember thinking, ‘Oh, my God. “I’m going to die.”… I go through a lot of pain, and my music reflects that.”