In a recent episode of the Appetite For Distortion podcast, Scott Weiland’s widow, Jamie Wachtel Weiland, shared her thoughts on the legacy of the late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman and addressed the circumstances surrounding his death more than eight years ago. Jamie expressed her belief that Scott does not receive the recognition and respect he deserves. She clarified that while Scott had drugs in his system at the time of his death, he did not overdose. Instead, she revealed that his death was due to his heart stopping because of severe blockages in his arteries, a condition resulting from years of heroin use, smoking, and heavy drinking.
Jamie recounted her conversation with the coroner, who confirmed that Scott’s heart condition was the primary cause of his death. She shared the pain of discovering that Scott had been using drugs again and the impact this had on their relationship. Despite his struggles, Jamie emphasized that Scott’s death should not be simplified to an overdose, as it undermines the complexity of his health issues and his efforts to stay clean.
Scott Weiland was found dead on his tour bus in December 2015 at the age of 48 while touring with his solo band THE WILDABOUTS. He was dealing with self-medication, estrangement from his children, financial difficulties, and an increasing drinking problem.
Jamie also addressed the criticism she has faced from some fans regarding her role in Scott’s life and death. She described the immense pressure and responsibility she felt as the primary person managing Scott’s health, career, and well-being. Jamie expressed her frustration with the negative comments and judgments made by people who were not present and did not understand the full scope of their situation. She revealed that she has stopped reading comments and articles about Scott because of the anxiety and depression they cause her.
A January 2016 report from Billboard highlighted additional struggles Scott faced in his final months, including hepatitis C, mental illness, and the knowledge that both his parents had cancer. The article included interviews with Jamie, Scott’s mother Sharon, his WILDABOUTS bandmates, and tour manager Aaron Mohler. Jamie revealed that Scott experienced episodes of paranoia and mania due to bipolar disorder, which at one point led her to move out for her safety. However, they eventually found medication that helped stabilize him, and she noted that Scott had been doing relatively well in the last couple of years of his life.
Through her interview, Jamie aims to correct the misconceptions about Scott’s death and highlight the challenges he faced, hoping to ensure he is remembered with the respect and understanding he deserves.
