What to know about acute liver failure, Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth’s cause of death

The Harwell family and loved ones are grieving the loss of Steve Harwell, who passed away on September 2023. As they face the profound loss, they are united in their memories of a beloved father, partner, and friend. His retirement from music in 2021 marked the end of an era for Smash Mouth, but his legacy lives on through his music and the memories he created with fans. Harwell’s career was characterized by hits like “All-Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun,” which became anthems of an era.

Was Steve Harwell Cause Of Death Drinking Leading To Liver Failure?

“All the organs in the body work together, so if one fails, then you start seeing other organs fail, as well,” Kushner explains. “It’s a cascade of events that pretty rapidly can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, and ultimately, that’s what people pass away from.” His speech and memory problems prior to death were also caused by Wernicke encephalopathy, a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. The condition also arises because of one’s chronic alcoholism, proving Harwell’s years-long battle with alcohol in the years before his death. Harwell’s death occurred after his long battle with liver failure caused by his alcohol abuse for years. For those who require a whole liver transplant, there is also a shortage of organs — with most being reserved only for patients most in need.

Steve Harwell’s past health issues

And not so long ago there was general consensus that drinking in moderation also came with health advantages, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Current alcoholic beverage labels in the US warn of the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol, adverse effects on general health, and risks for a developing fetus — but there’s no mention of cancer. According to Johns Hopkins, taking too much acetaminophen — the pain reliever found in Tylenol and other over-the-counter and prescription products — causes most cases of acute liver failure. Acute liver failure, also known as fulminant hepatic failure, is a rare but life-threatening condition in which the liver loses function. Best known for the 1999 hit “All Star,” Harwell’s “iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform,” the statement said.

• Bonham was legendary for his speed, power, and distinctive drumming style.
• Amy Winehouse’s struggle with alcoholism was well-documented and pre-dated her celebrity.
• They were featured in multiple television shows and films, including an iconic spot in Shrek which introduced a younger audience to the band.
• But the end of his career was defined by a public outburst during a show which led to his retirement.
• Joined by bassist Paul DeLisle and guitarist Greg Camp, the band was signed by Interscope in 1997 and put out their first album, Fush Yu Mang, that year.
• Drinking to excess was the norm in the rock and popular music worlds in the 60s and 70s.
• Harwell’s career was characterized by hits like “All-Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun,” which became anthems of an era.

Inside Steve Harwell’s life after retiring from Smash Mouth as he battled with liver failure before tragic death at 56

He’d been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy several years ago, according to previous interviews with People. The condition occurs when the did steve harwell drink a lot heart muscles can’t effectively pump blood to the rest of the body, the Mayo Clinic explains, and it can later lead to heart failure, blood clots and cardiac arrest. If someone gets diagnosed with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure, “there is an antidote to give,” Lucero says.

Are there any health benefits to drinking alcohol?

This is because any further use of alcohol or other substances can lead to rapid damage to the newly transplanted liver, causing the operation to fail. Acute liver failure can be caused by a sudden trigger that overloads an already damaged liver. It has also been reported that Harwell had been suffering from liver failure following a life-long battle with alcohol abuse and addiction.

Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell has ‘week to live’ after ‘liver failure’

• His death was attributed to acute liver failure, marking the end of an era for Smash Mouth and leaving a world of alternative rock music.
• “It’s a cascade of events that pretty rapidly can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, and ultimately, that’s what people pass away from.”
• He is survived by his wife, Michelle Laroque, and preceded in death by his son, Presley Harwell, who died from acute lymphocytic leukemia at just six months old.
• But with acute liver failure, liver function deteriorates much more quickly, usually over days or weeks, the Mayo Clinic says.
• Because of these very struggles and looming, potentially fatal health issues, he was forced to leave the band early in 2021.

Chronic liver failure, also called decompensated liver disease, can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea and loss of appetite, the Cleveland Clinic says. Harwell entered hospice care with only days to live as his liver failure was in the final stages. His representative confirmed in a statement to Entertainment Weekly on Sunday that his family and friends visited him in the past three days before his death hours after entering a medical facility. Although an official cause of death has not been confirmed, Harwell’s manager said in a statement Monday the singer had died from acute liver failure after being moved to hospice care. Chronic and/or long-term alcohol misuse not only causes more damage to the liver—but it can also undermine its miraculous ability for regeneration.

Both were female singer-songwriters famous for deeply soulful ballads and bluesy tunes that tug at the heartstrings and seem like the product of much older, world-weary spirits. Like Amy Winehouse, Janis was tormented by the ghosts of a troubled childhood. The love of millions of adoring fans and friends was not enough to keep Janis Joplin alive though. This past Labor Day weekend two famous musicians passed away — for two very different reasons.