Watch CBS News

Autopsy Confirms Columbine Survivor Austin Eubanks Died From Heroin Overdose

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) -- Austin Eubanks, who was in the Columbine High School library when a pair of gunmen took 13 lives of their fellow students and a teacher in 1999, was found dead last month at a residence in Steamboat Springs. Now the autopsy report has confirmed he died from a heroin overdose.

austin eubanks 1 (cbs)
Austin Eubanks in 2018 (credit: CBS)

Eubanks, 37, spoke to CBS4 in April when the Columbine community remembered the tragedy's 20th anniversary.

OPIOID MEMORIAL WALL 6SOTVO.Consolidated.01_frame_66 Austin Eubanks
credit: CBS)

Eubanks also spoke in 2018 at a press conference launching the "Lift The Label" campaign, a state-wide movement aimed ending the stigma associated with seeking treatment for opioid addiction.

Eubanks' family released the following statement after his death:

"Unfortunately Austin lost the battle with the very disease he fought so hard to help others face. Helping to build a community of support is what meant the most to Austin, and we plan to continue his work. As you can imagine, we are beyond shocked and saddened and request that our privacy is respected at this time."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.