Malcolm James McCormick, 26, also known by the stage name of Mac Miller, passed away September 7 in his home in Studio City, California. The coroner’s report ruled his death as a drug overdose. Miller was known to have an addiction to drugs and a drinking problem that led him to be in a car crash and received a DUI in May.

Many feel as though Mac Miller’s death should call attention to mental health and start a conversation about how our culture views addiction and recovery.

“I think he was really misunderstood as a person. I feel like [right now] instead of advocating not doing drugs, we need to talk more about mental illnesses and how and where to find help… ,” senior Tamia Henderson said.

Many of his fans are mourning, including his ex, singer Ariana Grande. Grande posted a heartfelt message on Instagram accompanied with a video of the late rapper. Despite them being broken up, they were on good terms and she claims to have cared for him very deeply. She did say that Miller was “the kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved.” Calling back to how this was more than just an issue with drugs, it also was a struggle with mental health as said by Demi Lovato after her own overdose, “[addiction is an] illness [that] is not something that disappears or fades with time.”

“It was sad what happened, but we can only look forward and make overdose awareness better,” junior Adam Polly said.

Mac Miller was a well known rapper who had many struggles in life and addiction only was a small portion in it. He wrote about many controversial things and frequently drew a large audience.

Many were saddened over his passing and miss him dearly. He was a large part of manys lives, based on a variety of tweets posted surrounding his death.

“I cried three times that day. Worst day by far this year with celebs deaths. I will forever be impacted with his life. From frozen pizza and look aid, to the way to self care and much more. I can remember jamming out with my sister to Mac at a younger age. He will be missed by many,” senior Jahmiah Higgins said. 

The death of Mac Miller drew attention to problems with addiction and overdose. More conversation has sparked about it than before, calling for help with addiction and ways to cope. He didn’t make the 27 club.