Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell, 56, enters hospice care with only ‘days to live’ after suffering liver failure

did steve harwell drink a lot

Sadly, Harwell died at the age of 56 from liver failure after years of chronic alcohol abuse. Harwell later developed Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a sudden brain and memory disorder that’s caused by a lack of vitamin B1, which causes brain damage, the Cleveland Clinic explains. People with a history of alcohol use disorder are more likely to develop the condition.

We will explore those questions in this North Jersey Recovery Center article. Heavy drinking can also cause problems well beyond the health of the drinker — it can damage important relationships. It’s all too common that problem drinking disrupts bonds with a spouse, family members, friends, coworkers, or employers. Harwell left Smash Mouth in October 2021 to “focus on his physical and mental health,” his representative told People at the time. Once the liver fails, kidney failure and neurologic dysfunction might follow.

  • “The way we distinguish between the two is largely based on history,” she explains.
  • With chronic liver disease, people may lose their liver function slowly, often over a period of many years — even decades, Kushner explains.
  • “Smash Mouth songs have been the soundtrack to so many people’s lives and I’m honored to care for them in my own little way, even if only for a while.
  • The artist, whose band is best known for the 1999 hit “All Star,” had been in hospice care, according to representative Robert Hayes.
  • Steve Harwell, former lead singer for rock band Smash Mouth, died at age 56 on Sept. 4, 2023, due to acute liver failure.
  • If you or a loved one suddenly develops a yellowing of the eyes or skin, tenderness in the abdomen or unusual changes in mental state, seek medical attention right away, the clinic advises.
  • By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers.

Delving Deeper Alcohol’s Toll on His Health

It can also cause fats to accumulate in the liver, triggering inflammation and further damaging cells. Steve Harwell, the ex-frontman for the band Smash Mouth, has died at the age of 56 years old. The best homage is to cherish Harwell’s songs and his bravery in facing personal obstacles. Steve Harwell was a gifted maestro whose life was filled with both poignant low points and beautiful peaks. Without question, Harwell was a talented artist who made a lasting impression with Smash Mouth. Although Harwell has not published any conclusive numbers, rumors abound.

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did steve harwell drink a lot

Although his official cause of death has not been confirmed, Harwell’s manager noted on Sunday he was in the final stages of liver failure when he was moved to hospice care. Alcohol use disorder is not the only contributing factor to acute liver failure, but it is one of the most common causes of this fatal condition. The liver serves many functions in the body, but one of the primary ones is the processing of blood. It breaks down nutrients and chemicals and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The Mayo Clinic says you can also reduce your risk of acute liver failure through prevention, including following instructions on medications, reducing alcohol consumption and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.

  • For example, Johns Hopkins University in Maryland says alcoholics need to be sober for at least six months before they can be considered for a liver transplant.
  • After a short period of abstinence following treatment, Amy died from accidental alcohol poisoning following a binge-drinking episode.
  • It is more common, however, for acute liver failure to occur in people who have no prior history of liver problems.
  • Alcohol also plays a role in the health of your liver, though it is more directly a cause of chronic liver failure, which is more common and develops over a longer period.
  • Once the liver fails, kidney failure and neurologic dysfunction might follow.

Feel like you should be drinking less? Start here

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.

If you are concerned about alcohol’s effect on your life or a loved one’s life, please feel welcome. Durinchallengingfficult time, the Harwell family asks for privacy and understanding as they mourn their beloved family member. Steve Harwell will be remembered for his musical contributions and his larger-than-life personality and charisma that captured the hearts of many. Harwell’s battle with addiction had significantly affected his health, ultimately leading to this heartbreaking outcome.

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These limitations make it hard to know how much to rely on studies that find health risks (or benefits) to alcohol consumption. If they do receive a transplant and continue to drink, “then their new liver will also fail eventually.” At the most severe stage, this scarring is called cirrhosis, Kushner explains.

Steve Harwell’s past health issues

Because of these very struggles and looming, potentially fatal health issues, he was forced to leave the band early in 2021. He had suffered from heart failure symptoms and had been living with cardiomyopathy for eight years before his departure. He was cared for by his fiancée, Esther Campbell, and the medical staff.

But with acute liver failure, liver function deteriorates much more quickly, usually over days or weeks, the Mayo Clinic says. Steve Harwell died from acute liver failure, his band’s manager told NBC News. With chronic liver failure, patients usually have long-standing liver disease, Kushner says, which can be caused by long-term alcohol use, hepatitis viruses, autoimmune conditions and genetic conditions. According to the 56-year-old singer’s management, he has reached the final stages of liver failure and only has “a week or so” to live. The statement acknowledges that the musician has struggled with alcohol addiction throughout his life. Steve Harwell, former lead singer for rock band Smash Mouth, died at age 56 on Sept. 4, 2023, due to acute liver failure.

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Steve’s life journey was filled with triumphs and challenges, and his family stood by him throughout his health struggles. Harwell faced personal challenges throughout his career, notably his battle with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, he remained a prominent figure in the music industry. Doctors say liver damage can be treated in the early stages — and may even be reversible — by tackling the root cause. His candor regarding his battle with drinking has shown in recent years. His turbulent journey became more evident with the numerous treatment check-ins and public drunkenness arrests.

“Burning brightly across the universe before burning out. Good night Heevo Veev. Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target.” In 2013, the California-born singer was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a combination of diseases that affects the heart. He had also been suffering from Wernicke encephalopathy, which causes several painful symptoms such as difficulty walking, hypothermia, and confusion.

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 did steve harwell drink a lot 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.

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