Autopsy: Gomez Died from Drug Overdose, Heart Disease

Garrett K. Gomez died in December with six different “drugs of abuse” in his system, and a diseased heart muscle also contributed to the “accident” of his death, according to an autopsy report released Feb. 8 by the Forensic Science Center in Pima County, Arizona.

“In consideration of the known circumstances surrounding this death and the examination of the remains, the cause of death is ascribed to a methamphetamine intoxication with cardiomyopathy contributing to his demise,” wrote forensic pathologist Cynthia Porterfield.

Gomez, who struggled with substance and alcohol abuse issues through much of his adult life, was found unresponsive in a Tucson-area hotel room on Dec. 14, 2016. The autopsy report stated that “a clear plastic baggie containing white powder” was found near his body, and that first responders tried to revive him using electrocardiograph stimulation prior to Gomez being pronounced dead at 2:47 p.m.

Blood tests on Gomez came back positive for cocaine, morphine, two types of amphetamines, benzodiazepines (central nervous system tranquilizers), and marijuana. He did not have any traces of alcohol in his system.

There were no signs of trauma, and the report described Gomez's body as that of “a normally developed, well-nourished” male of 150 pounds whose body features “appear compatible with the reported age of 44 years.”

A second-generation jockey who was a two-time Eclipse Award-winning rider with 3,769 victories and $205 million in purse earnings, Gomez last rode in a Thoroughbred race Oct. 5, 2013, at Keeneland Race Course. He then went inactive for about 20 months prior to announcing his retirement in June 2015. Since 2014, he had been living near Tucson, his birthplace.