1997.06.03 - MTV News - Details Released in Death of Guns N' Roses Songwriter

DETAILS RELEASED IN DEATH OF GUNS N' ROSES SONGWRITER

MTV NEWS STAFF
06/03/1997

June 3 [10:00 EDT] -- More details have been released in the death of Guns n' Roses collaborator and longtime friend West Arkeen.

As we first reported yesterday, Arkeen was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Friday. His management company said on Monday that Arkeen had been at home recovering from severe burns, and that his death was the result of an accidental "opiate overdose."

Arkeen, 36, had recently returned to his home from a hospital intensive care unit where he was being treated for burns over much of his body after his indoor barbecue exploded 11 days ago.

Arkeen had co-written "Patience," "Yesterdays," "It's So Easy" and other songs with Guns n' Roses, as well as tracks for Brother Cane and Duff McKagan's solo album.

Arkeen had been making the rounds in search of a record deal for his own band, The Outpatience, which had recently released an album in Japan called "Anxious Disease." The release featured guest appearances from Gunners Axl Rose and Duff, as well as contributions from ex-Gn'R members Slash and Izzy Stradlin.

http://www.mtv.com/news/1429814/details-released-in-death-of-guns-n-roses-songwriter/