‘The Patriot’ Star Dies of Accidental Overdose

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has confirmed that actress Skye McCole Bartusiak, who was best known for her role as Mel Gibson’s young daughter in The Patriot, passed away due to an accidental drug overdose.

TMZ reports that at the time of her death, Bartusiak had an accidental mixture of muscle relaxers, painkillers, and a drug that is commonly inhaled for recreational use. The Harris County Institute of Forensics Sciences stated her death was the result of “the combined toxic effects of Hydrocodone (typically Vicodin) and difluoroethane with carisprodol.”

Bartusiak, who was 21 years old, was found in her Houston home by her boyfriend back on July 19. She was unresponsive as paramedics tried to revive her. At the time, her parents believed she had a seizure and choked to death.

The actress made her acting debut in the 1999 TV miniseries Storm of the Century. She also starred in The Cider House Rules in 1999, as well as 2001’s Don’t Say a Word alongside Michael Douglas. Her most recent film was Sick Boy in 2012.