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Tragic new details revealed in ‘How to Eat Fried Worm’ child star Blake Garrett’s death

The actor, who starred as Plug in the 2006 movie, passed away in February at 33 years old from an accidental fentanyl overdose.​The actor, who starred as Plug in the 2006 movie, passed away in February at 33 years old from an accidental fentanyl overdose. 

“How to Eat Fried Worms” star Blake Garrett died surrounded by drug paraphernalia, according to his full autopsy report.

The actor, who passed away in February at 33, was found unresponsive in his sober living home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, per TMZ.

The outlet noted Monday that Garrett was found next to his bed near rolled dollar bills, a lighter and foil with burnt residue.

Blake Garrett was surrounded by drug paraphernalia at the time of his death, according to a new report. Dignity Memorial
The “How to Eat Fried Worms” star (pictured above in May 2005) was found next to rolled dollar bills, burnt foil and a lighter. FilmMagic

News broke in July that the former child star’s cause of death was an accidental fentanyl overdose.

The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s report noted at the time that alcohol testing had come back negative.

In addition to swelling in Garrett’s brain, the report noted his lesions in various stages of healing from his shingles.

He was discovered next to his bed in his sober living home. Facebook/Blake Garrett
When Garrett died in February, his mom feared he had been self-medicating after three years sober. Dignity Memorial

His mother previously told TMZ Garrett had been rushed to the hospital the week before his death and diagnosed with the rash, characterized by painful blisters, per the CDC.

She said her son had been in “intense pain” and speculated he may have been self-medicating.

Garrett was, notably, three years sober at this point.

Garrett’s cause of death was ruled an accidental fentanyl overdose. Dignity Memorial
He was 33 years old. Dignity Memorial

He was best known for his role as Plug in “How to Eat Fried Worms,” which came out in 2006.

The movie was based on Thomas Rockwell’s book of the same name, published in 1973.

Garrett acted alongside Luke Benward, Hallie Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, Ryan Malgarini and Alexander Gould — and once insisted to the Oklahoman that, despite playing a bully’s sidekick in the film, “everybody got along on set.”

Garrett (pictured above fourth from the left in August 2006) was best known for his role in “How to Eat Fried Worms.” WireImage
The former child star played Plug in the film, based off of Thomas Rockwell’s 1973 book. ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection

Before filming the movie, Garrett joined the “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour” between 2003 and 2004.

His acting experience before that included multiple local theater productions.

Garrett lived a private life after stepping back from acting.

If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

A man with blonde hair and a goatee smiles at the camera.
Blake Garrett was surrounded by drug paraphernalia at the time of his death, according to a new report. Dignity Memorial
Blake Garrett at the "How to Eat Fried Worms" red carpet event.
The “How to Eat Fried Worms” star (pictured above in May 2005) was found next to rolled dollar bills, burnt foil and a lighter. FilmMagic
Blake Garrett taking a mirror selfie.
He was discovered next to his bed in his sober living home. Facebook/Blake Garrett
A light-skinned man with blonde hair and a beard, wearing a maroon shirt with a cross necklace, and a light-skinned woman with blonde hair, wearing a black top and jacket, stand smiling with their arms around each other.
When Garrett died in February, his mom feared he had been self-medicating after three years sober. Dignity Memorial
A group of five people, including Blake Garret, posing with a small dog.
Garrett’s cause of death was ruled an accidental fentanyl overdose. Dignity Memorial
Headshot of Nolan Garrett in military uniform.
He was 33 years old. Dignity Memorial
The cast of How to Eat Fried Worms smiling at the movie premiere.
Garrett (pictured above fourth from the left in August 2006) was best known for his role in “How to Eat Fried Worms.” WireImage
Movie poster for "How to Eat Fried Worms" showing nine children holding up worms, each with a different comical name for the worm.
The former child star played Plug in the film, based off of Thomas Rockwell’s 1973 book. ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection

 

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