At a Glance
- Ethan Browne, 52, died November 25, 2025 from accidental drug toxicity
- The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner cited fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine
- He was the eldest son of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Jackson Browne
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights ongoing dangers of fentanyl-laced street drugs
Jackson Browne’s eldest child, actor and model Ethan Browne, has died at 52. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed his death was accidental, caused by the combined effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine.
Cause of Death Revealed
The medical examiner’s office released its findings on January 13, nearly two months after Browne was found unresponsive in his home. The toxicology report shows a lethal combination of:
- Fentanyl – a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin
- Methamphetamine – a powerful stimulant
- Lidocaine – a local anesthetic sometimes used as a cutting agent
Browne’s father, 77-year-old Jackson Browne, had announced his son’s death on Facebook the day after the incident.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away,” the statement read. “We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time. No further details are available at this moment.”
Early Life in the Spotlight
Ethan was just a toddler when tragedy first struck the family. His mother, Phyllis Major, died by suicide after marrying Jackson Browne in 1975. The young boy became a fixture in his father’s life, even appearing on a 1974 Rolling Stone cover with him.
In that same Rolling Stone interview, the then-25-year-old musician gushed about fatherhood: “I love it when he laughs. His little voice. His little throat.”
Jackson explained his motivation for becoming a parent: “I wanted a baby ’cause I wanted to be a baby. I play with him all the time; there’s something pure about it. Look at all those expressions he’s got. He’s a real kick in the a–.”
Hollywood Career
As an adult, Ethan carved out his own path in entertainment. He became a successful model, working with top designers including Isaac Mizrahi. Producer Mark Ronson, 50, described him in his memoir “Night People” as “the real deal – with an angular face and soulful gaze that seemed to reveal his deepest truths, even from a glossy page.”
Ronson noted Ethan inherited:
- Sharp cheekbones from his late mother
- Soulful eyes from his father
- Natural charisma perfect for the camera
Beyond modeling, Ethan founded Spinside Records, an imprint on his father’s independent label Inside Recordings. He also appeared in films, most notably starring alongside Kate Hudson in the 2004 movie “Raising Helen.”
Father and Son Bond
Despite the demands of their respective careers, Jackson and Ethan maintained a close relationship. In a 2022 interview with Tru Rock Revival, Jackson praised his son’s parenting skills.
“Ethan is a great father. He’s a great son, a great man,” Jackson said. “I love seeing him with his kids. When I see him in his movies, modeling, with his daughter, and being such a great dad, it makes me very proud. It makes me feel I’ve done something really right in my life.”
The elder Browne also has another son, 43-year-old Ryan, from his marriage to ex-wife Lynne Sweeney.
Industry Reaction
The entertainment community has expressed shock at Ethan’s sudden passing. The combination of substances that caused his death reflects a growing crisis in Los Angeles and across the country, where fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise dramatically.
Sources told News Of Losangeles that Ethan had been working on various creative projects before his death, though no specific details were available at press time.
Key Takeaways
- Ethan Browne died at 52 from accidental drug toxicity involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine
- He was Jackson Browne’s eldest son and had built his own successful career in modeling and film
- The medical examiner’s ruling brings closure to the family after weeks of uncertainty
- His death underscores the ongoing fentanyl crisis affecting Americans across all demographics
