Medical Examiner: Ike Turner Died Of Cocaine Overdose

Music legend Ike Turner died of a cocaine overdose, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office said Wednesday.

“We are listing that he abused cocaine, and that’s what resulted in the cocaine toxicity,” said Paul Parker, chief investigator at the medical examiner’s office.

Turner, whose role as one of rock’s critical architects was overshadowed by his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife and icon Tina Turner, died December 12, 2007 at his home in suburban San Diego.

He was 76.

In response to news of his death, a rep for Tina Turner released the following statement to Access Hollywood:

“Tina hasn’t had any contact with Ike in more than 30 years. No further comment will be made.”

Ike Turner managed to rehabilitate his image somewhat in his later years, touring around the globe with his band the Kings of Rhythm and drawing critical acclaim for his work. He won a Grammy in 2007 in the traditional blues album category for “Risin’ With the Blues.”

But his image is forever identified as the drug-addicted, wife-abusing husband of Tina Turner. He was hauntingly portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the movie “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” based on Tina Turner’s autobiography.

The Recording Academy issued the following statement on Ike’s death:

“There is no doubt that Ike Turner was one of rock and roll’s great architects with his genre-defying sound as an instrumentalist and bandleader. His innovative musicality helped lay the foundation for rock n’ roll and R&B more than 50 years ago. As a bandleader, his well-rehearsed ensembles were some of the most exciting live groups the world had ever heard. As a two-time Grammy Award-winner and recipient of The Recording Academy’s 2004 Heroes Award, Ike’s legacy as a groundbreaking pioneer in the music industry will never be forgotten.”