DJ AM Found Dead!

UPDATE:TMZ sources say DJ AM, a recovering addict, developed a dependency to Xanax and other benzodiazepines (a group of drugs used to treat anxiety) as a direct result of the plane crash a year ago. We're told AM (aka Adam Goldstein) developed a tremendous anxiety over flying -- something he had to do frequently for his job. We're told doctors began prescribing Xanax and other anti-anxiety medications to relieve his fear, but the benzos triggered a relapse into addiction. We're told benzos are particularly dicey for recovering addicts. Our sources say the evidence strongly indicates cause of death will be a combination of crack cocaine and benzos.

UPDATE:: The New York Medical Examiner's Office has begun to perform the autopsy on DJ AM (proved inconclusive, pending toxicology results which could take weeks)

UPDATE:: Prescription pill bottles were found by his body.

UPDATE: A rep for DJ AM just issued the following statement: "Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein was found deceased this afternoon in his New York City apartment. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. Out of respect for his family and loved ones, please respect their privacy at this time."

Sources tell TMZ he was found in his apartment at around 5:20 PM. We're told drug paraphernalia was found at the scene.

TMZ sources say DJ AM had not been seen or heard from for a few days -- one of his friends went to check on him, but got no response after knocking on his apartment door.


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We're told the friend called the cops, who gained entrance to his apartment and found the body.

Back in September of 2008, DJ AM and Travis Barker survived a plane crash in South Carolina. Four people died in the crash -- which was caused when the airplane aborted takeoff and then ran off the runway. DJ AM and Barker were the only survivors.

The star, who famously dated Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore, had battled drug addiction in the past and revealed earlier this year he had attempted suicide while high on crack cocaine when he was aged 24.

Sources tell TMZ DJ AM had been "completely devastated" over a recent breakup with his girlfriend, Hayley Wood.

We're told they split within the last week -- she was the one who called off their relationship.

We're also told he was having a very hard time dealing with post-traumatic stress from the plane crash he survived in September of last year.

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