14 DAY TRIAL // DJ AM, the renowned disc-jokey whose body was discovered in his New York City apartment late last Friday, has been laid to rest. As friends and family still struggle to cope with the loss of the 36-year-old Adam Goldstein, AM’s real name, a member of his family has taken to MySpace to urge all fans to hold the flowers and donate the money instead to a charity, TMZ informs.
AM had been sober, as he said so himself on a couple of occasions, for 11 and a half years when he died of what seems to be an accidental overdose. Reports say that he may have relapsed back into his drug addiction as he was trying to cope with post-traumatic stress and survivor’s guilt following his brush with death in 2008, when only he and friend Travis Barker survived a plane crash that killed other four. Fans and friends still can’t believe he is no longer with them.
However, should they think of doing something nice to express their regret, they mustn’t waste their money on flowers, AM’s family says in a statement. Instead, they should donate to one of the many causes in which AM was involved – this way, their gesture will still be noticed, while some good can also come out of the tragedy that was the DJ’s death. Those interested in donating can choose from three charities that AM mostly worked with, as TMZ can confirm.
“We appreciate the kind words and support for Adam over the past few days. Due to your inquiries, in lieu of flowers, AM’s family would like to suggest making donations to the following charitable organizations: National MS Society, Southern California Chapter... or Friendly House.” AM’s family writes on MySpace. A rep for Friendly House, which tries to help women recover from alcohol and drug abuse, is telling the same media outlet that, while AM was a constant presence at their meetings, they never expected to be named for donations. “[AM] was a supporter of Friendly House and would show up at our luncheons. I am kind of glad we were even mentioned at this awful time.” the spokesperson explains.
DJ AM has been buried at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in West Los Angeles. Reports currently circulating in the media indicate the police are now treating his death as a suicide, since several pills were also found in his mouth, which would rule out the possibility of an accidental overdose, People magazine says.