Jackson Browne's Son's Tragic Cause of Death Linked to Dangerous Drugs

After almost two months, the cause of death has been confirmed for Ethan Browne, son of singer Jackson Browne. The confirmation clarifies the previously unclear circumstances surrounding his death.

Ethan Browne was discovered unresponsive at his home on Nov. 25, 2025, the day before Thanksgiving. The news was shared on his father's social media, but the cause was not revealed initially. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner needed additional information, so the cause of death was initially listed as deferred.

Per TMZ, the medical examiner now says Ethan's death was accidental, triggered by a mix of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine. Lidocaine is a common anesthetic used in medical and dental work.

At the time of Ethan's death, his family said, "It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away." according to Daily Mail.

Born in 1973, Ethan Browne appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone with his father when he was only six months old. Jackson Browne once said about being a dad,"I wanted a baby 'cause I wanted to be a baby. I play with [Ethan] all the time; there's something pure about it. Look at all those expressions he's got. He's a real kick in the ass."

Ethan's mother, Phyllis Major, wed Jackson Browne in 1975 but died by suicide less than a year later. Jackson Browne raised Ethan as a single father. He later said,"Well, it was my main focus. I only had two things that I hoped I could fit together: being a songwriter and a father."

Ethan became a model and actor, appearing in movies like Hackers and Raising Helen and the TV show "Birds of Prey." He also went into music, starting Spinside Records, linked to his father's label.

Jackson Browne also noted that "Ethan is a great father. He's a great son, a great man."

Jackson Browne, 77, became famous in the 1970s with albums like Running on Empty and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. This new info wraps up the story of his son's death, a tough personal loss for him and his family.

Read more: Jackson Browne Health Update: Veteran Singer Confirms Recovery Ahead Rescheduled Tours