Musician Bob Bryar’s cause of death has been ruled as “undetermined” three months after his death.
According to the autopsy obtained by TMZ, Bryar’s body was allegedly found next to three large canisters of nitrous oxide. The outlet reported that the My Chemical Romance drummer, 44, also had antidepressants in his home at the time of his death in November 2024.
The Bedford County medical examiner in Tennessee ruled Bryar’s manner of death “best classified as undetermined” after suspecting “intentional or accidental overdose,” per the reported autopsy.
The medical examiner reportedly noted in the document that Bryar’s body was badly decomposed making it hard to determine the exact cause of death.
My Chemical Romance Mourn Bob Bryar With ‘Heavy Heart’
News broke in November 2024 that Bryar was found dead inside his home in Tennessee. He was reportedly last seen on November 4, 2024, and wasn’t discovered until November 26. TMZ reported at the time that medical professionals were investigating Bryar’s cause of death but didn’t expect foul play.
My Chemical Romance mourned the loss of Bryar in a statement issued a few days later, writing via Instagram, “It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to Bob Bryar, our former bandmate and an important part of the history of My Chemical Romance.”
The band noted in the December 2024 statement, “We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family at this time. May he rest in peace.”
My Chemical Romance’s Drummer Bob Bryar Found Dead at 44: Report
Bryar joined My Chemical Romance in 2004, replacing the original drummer, Matt Pelissier. The group was formed in 2001, releasing its debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love in 2002. Their second album, 2004’s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, came out before Bryar was part of the band.
Bryar worked alongside Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Mikey Way and Frank Iero through 2010 during which time they released their biggest album 2006’s The Black Parade.
“As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways,” rhythm guitarist Iero, 43, said in a statement posted via the band’s website in March 2010. “This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same.”
Liam Payne’s Death Will Not Be Ruled a Suicide, Prosecutor Reveals
The group dropped its fourth album, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, in 2010 shortly after Bryar’s departure. However, the late drummer received credits for some of the songwriting on the record.
“I left a very good touring gig where I was tour managing and doing sound. I left that job to join a band that was filthy, had s—y gear, a smashed-up, smoking, death-trap van and was poor. They smelled bad too. I was so happy to receive the offer,” Bryar told Alternative Press in 2016, reflecting on his choice to join My Chemical Romance. “Long before we recorded Welcome to the Black Parade, I knew that [MCR] were special and I wanted in. I wanted to help evolve the band and be able to shred with them every night.”
Bryar went on to work on other musical projects after parting ways with My Chemical Romance before reportedly pivoting into real estate.
