TobyMac son's death confirmed as opioids

A family spokesperson has confirmed that the death of Truett McKeehan was by opioid abuse, according to People.

Truett’s father, singer TobyMac, was forced to leave his tour following the devastating news. He did not get back to his family until after midnight and so was not at home when the death occurred.

The death has rocked the family, with the renowned Christian artist releasing a new song, 21 Years, in honor of Truett.

The aspiring young rapper released a number of songs that became popular on Youtube. It is reported that his father, whose real name is Kevin McKeehan, wrote the songs for his son.

In October 2018, his father opened up to The Tennseesan about his son’s move to Los Angeles and the challenges of trying to make it in the fickle music industry.

The last couple of months have been the hardest I’ve ever faced,” Toby commented on Instagram. “Thank you for the love and support. Part of my process has always been to write about the things I’m going through, but this went to a whole new level. What started out as getting some of my thoughts and feelings about losing my firstborn son down on paper, ended up a song. “21 Years” is a song I never wanted to write. I hope it’s for someone out there, or maybe it’s just for me.”

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The last couple of months have been the hardest I’ve ever faced. Thank you for the love and support. Part of my process has always been to write about the things I’m going through, but this went to a whole new level. What started out as getting some of my thoughts and feelings about losing my firstborn son down on paper, ended up a song. “21 Years” is a song I never wanted to write. I hope it’s for someone out there, or maybe it’s just for me.
A post shared by TobyMac (@tobymac) on Jan 9, 2020 at 5:02pm PST

According to Mayo Clinic, physical and psychological reliance on opioids, a substance found in certain prescription pain medications and illegal drugs such as heroin, causing addiction.

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Truett Foster Mckeehan had joy that took the room when he entered. He was a magnetic son and brother and friend. If you met him, you knew him, you remembered him. His smile, his laugh, the encouragement he offered with words or even without. He had an untamable grand personality and dreams to match. And he hated being put in a box. He expressed himself through the music he made. And by made I mean, written, recorded, produced, mixed, and designed the art. All of it. A true artist. His first show was a week ago, and it was nothing short of electric. Everyone felt it, everyone knew it. He could’ve easily taken the easy route and put music out when he was 12, 14, 16, even 18, but he always said he wanted to live some life and have something to say before he did it. He didn’t want to be a child star, he wanted to be a man with scars and a story to tell. I always admired, respected and encouraged that stand. Truett always had a soft spot for God. The Bible moved him. His heart was warm to the things of his King. He was by no means a cookie cutter Christian but give me a believer who fights to keep believing. Give me a broken man who recognizes his need for a Savior every time. That’s who Truett was and how he should be remembered. My last moment with Truett in person was at his first show this past Thursday at the Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. I had to leave the next morning very early to fly and start our Canadian tour. As I stood in the audience and watched my son bring joy to a room, I was as proud as a “pop” (as tru called me) could be. It was the culminating moment of a dream that he had since he was 12. It couldn’t have been sweeter. Our music, and what we say lyrically couldn’t be more different, but the outcome was much the same… offering a room full of people a few minutes of joy in a crazy world. Our last text exchange is shared above (swipe). My wife and I would want the world to know this… We don’t follow God because we have some sort of under-the-table deal with Him, like, we’ll follow you if you bless us. We follow God because we love Him. It’s our honor. He is the God of the hills and the valleys. And He is beautiful above all things.
A post shared by TobyMac (@tobymac) on Oct 24, 2019 at 2:26pm PDT

Opioids were designed as a prescription to treat pain. With prolonged use, pain-relieving effects may lessen and pain can become worse, however opioids are highly addictive. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them. Addiction occurs when dependence interferes with daily life. Taking more than the prescribed amount or using illegal opioids such as heroin may result in death.