We are still mourning the shocking loss of Metal legend and former Children of Bodom and Bodom After Midnight vocalist and guitarist Alexi Laiho, who died after a long illness earlier in 2021. Now his wife and closest friend Kimberly Goss (former vocalist of Sinergy, Avernus, Ancient), has revealed in a post on Instagram the cause of his death at just 41 years old. She wrote As his legal widow, this morning I received the final forensic report with the official cause of Alexi’s passing. The certificate reads in Finnish, “Alkoholin aiheuttama maksan rasvarappeutuminen ja haiman sidekudostuminen”. The English translation is, “Alcohol-induced degeneration of the liver and pancreas connective tissue”. Furthermore, he had a cocktail of painkillers, opioids and insomnia medication in his system.
As his legal widow, this morning I received the final forensic report with the official cause of Alexi’s passing. The certificate reads in Finnish, “Alkoholin aiheuttama maksan rasvarappeutuminen ja haiman sidekudostuminen”. The English translation is, “Alcohol-induced degeneration of the liver and pancreas connective tissue”. Furthermore, he had a cocktail of painkillers, opioids, and insomnia medication in his system.
The loss of this extraordinarily talented and beautiful soul is a tragedy that was entirely preventable. He had so many good years left in him. Imagine all the amazing music we could still be getting if he had just accepted help. I plead with anyone who is struggling with alcoholism or any other substance abuse problem, to please seek support. You do not have to meet this same fate. If people are trying to help you, remember that they are doing it out of love and concern, so please do not push them away. Please do not surround yourself with enablers who promote your addictions. Let this be a cautionary tale that no one is invincible.
I do not want his death to be in vain. My hope is to eventually start a memorial foundation or charity in his native, Finland to help others struggling with these same demons. This needs to be an open conversation, not a source of shame. We are all human, we all suffer, but help is out there. If his story can save even ONE life, then something good can come out of this horrible loss we have all endured.
Rest in peace, beloved Wildchild
Kim has been vocal online about how close she and Alexi had been the last few years, and the unfair amount of online bullying she has suffered as she tries to grieve his loss. Fans, please respect her space and leave her be. Rest in peace Alexi. His final recordings with his new band Bodom After Midnight will be released this spring by Napalm Records.