DMX’s death follows the worst year ever for US overdoses

The American rapper known as DMX (his real name was Earl Simmons) died at 50 today, his family said, after suffering a heart attack allegedly triggered by a drug overdose. While the details of the overdose and death are still unconfirmed, DMX had a history of struggling with addiction, including to crack cocaine, for which he sought treatment. The disruption and isolation caused by Covid-19, as well as job losses and financial distress have led more people to opioid use and pushed users who were in treatment toward relapse.