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- Official findings: accidental fentanyl overdose confirmed
- What investigators said about his final days
- Early life and rise as a child actor
- On-set relationships and early recognition
- Family statements and community reaction
- Understanding fentanyl risks and recovery challenges
- Selected career highlights and stage work
Blake Garrett, best known for his turn as Plug in the family film How to Eat Fried Worms, has had his cause of death officially released. New records show the 33-year-old’s passing was ruled accidental and tied to illicit opioids.
Official findings: accidental fentanyl overdose confirmed
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner lists an accidental fentanyl overdose as the cause of Garrett’s death. The report, obtained by media outlets, ties the fatality to powerful synthetic opioids.
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Blake Garrett cause of death revealed: How to Eat Fried Worms child star’s death explained
Garrett died on Feb. 8 at age 33, the report indicates. Authorities say he was living in a sober-living residence in Tulsa at the time.
What investigators said about his final days
Sources close to the case say Garrett was taken to a hospital after collapsing. Medical staff treated him, but he did not recover. The examiner’s paperwork details toxicology results and the circumstances investigators documented.
Health issues reported before his death
Family members told reporters he had been diagnosed with shingles a week prior. That condition can cause intense pain and discomfort, which sometimes leads people to seek extra relief.
His mother said she worried he might have been self-medicating to manage the pain. The Centers for Disease Control explains shingles as a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Early life and rise as a child actor
Garrett’s credits stretch across film, arena shows and community theater. He first gained attention as a child performer and worked steadily through the early 2000s.
- How to Eat Fried Worms (2006) — played Plug, a sidekick character in the family comedy.
- Arena production: Barney’s Colorful World International Tour (2003-2004).
- Local theater roles including Grease, Aladdin and His Magical Lamp, The Wizard of Oz, Annie and a Peanuts tribute.
He appeared alongside young stars such as Luke Benward and Hallie Eisenberg. The film is an adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s children’s book.
On-set relationships and early recognition
Despite playing a bully’s associate on screen, Garrett described the cast atmosphere as friendly. In interviews during the film’s release, he emphasized camaraderie among the young actors.
The ensemble received industry recognition. At the 2007 Young Artists Awards, the cast won for Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film.
Family statements and community reaction
Garrett’s mother publicly shared details about his health in the days leading up to his death. She voiced concern that pain from shingles might have led to unintentional self-medication.
After the official ruling, social-media posts and messages from former co-workers reflected sadness and support. Friends from theater circles recalled him as a dedicated performer who loved the stage.
Understanding fentanyl risks and recovery challenges
Fentanyl is a potent opioid linked to a rising number of accidental deaths nationwide. Small amounts can be lethal, and it is often mixed into other drugs without a user’s knowledge.
- It is far stronger than heroin or morphine.
- It appears increasingly in street drugs and counterfeit pills.
- Those in recovery face heightened risk if exposed to fentanyl.
Experts urge family members and people in recovery to access harm-reduction resources and to carry naloxone where available.
Selected career highlights and stage work
- How to Eat Fried Worms — feature film role as Plug.
- Barney’s Colorful World — arena tour performer.
- Multiple community theater productions across Oklahoma.
Colleagues remember Garrett for his youthful energy and commitment to performance. His work spanned both screen and stage from childhood into his twenties.
