Lucy-Bleu Knight, the 25-year-old stepdaughter of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, was found dead on July 19, 2024, due to hydrogen sulfide toxicity. The Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled the death a suicide, confirming Knight had intentionally inhaled the toxic gas, which can be lethal even in low concentrations when inhaled for extended periods. The gas, commonly found in industrial environments, can also be created by mixing certain household chemicals. According to the autopsy report, Knight had prepared for her death by sealing her rental unit’s windows, vents, and doors with plastic bags and tape.
Discovery and Rescue Efforts
Knight had been staying at an Airbnb in Los Angeles, where she was scheduled to check out on July 15. After failing to respond to the property manager’s repeated attempts to contact her, emergency services were called on July 19. Responding officers noted a resistance, described as “suction,” when opening the front door. They also detected a chemical odor and found a handwritten sign warning of toxic gas, prompting them to call a Hazmat team. Inside, they discovered several hazardous substances, including sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, cerium hydroxide, and sodium thiosulfate. Knight’s body was found in the bathroom, and additional suicide notes were discovered on a side table in the main room.
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Mental Health and Prior Struggles
The autopsy report revealed that Knight had a history of undiagnosed mental illness, with her family stating she experienced paranoia and hallucinations. Although her family denied any previous suicide attempts, the report indicated that Knight had been placed on two previous 5150 psychiatric holds. The first hold occurred earlier this year, after multiple nooses were found in her closet. Despite Knight seeking psychiatric treatment, she had not received a formal diagnosis by the time of her death. Prescription medications for conditions like schizophrenia were found in her possession, but toxicology tests revealed she had not taken them recently.
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Following Knight’s death, Slash canceled several dates of his solo S.E.R.P.E.N.T Tour to mourn. He and Knight’s mother, Meegan Hodges, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, describing Lucy-Bleu as “an incredibly talented artist, a passionate dreamer, and a charming, lovable, sweet soul.” The family has asked for privacy and requested that social media speculation be minimized as they grieve and process this tragic loss. Knight’s death has sparked discussions about the importance of mental health awareness and the complexities of coping with untreated mental illness.