Former Fox News host Eric Bolling has had a rough couple of weeks.
Back in early September, he was dismissed from his role at the network after it was revealed that he allegedly sent unsolicited lewd photos to several of his female colleagues.
That very same day, his 19-year-old son, Eric Chase Bolling, Jr., was found dead in an apartment near his school, the University of Colorado Boulder.
After rumors of suicide due to his father's downfall started circulating online, Bolling wrote on Twitter that "there is no sign of self harm" in his son's death. However, an autopsy to determine cause of death was underway.
Authorities have informed us there is no sign of self harm at this point. Autopsy will be next week. Please respect our grieving period.
— Eric Bolling (@ericbolling) September 9, 2017
Bolling also released a statement to address comments Bill O'Reilly made about the death of his son being connected to the host's scandal.
"I believe it is beyond inappropriate for anyone to bring in the tragic death of my son Eric Chase Bolling," Bolling wrote in the statement. "Just as Bill O'Reilly had wanted to shield his children from the allegations against him, I hope he will honor my request and avoid any future mentions of my son. My parting from Fox News was in no way connected to the tragic news of my son's passing."
It's been a little over a month since the tragedy occurred, and the autopsy results are finally in.
On Thursday, October 26, Bolling once again took to Twitter to share an update on his son's sudden passing.
The former Five host revealed that Eric Chase died of an accidental overdose.
"Just received some tragic news from Coroner in Colorado. Eric Chase's passing has been ruled an accidental overdose that included opioids," announced Bolling on Twitter Thursday.
Just received some tragic news from Coroner in Colorado. Eric Chase's passing has been ruled an accidental overdose that included opioids 1/
— Eric Bolling (@ericbolling) October 26, 2017
In a second tweet, including Eric Chase's photo, the grieving father expressed he and his wife's gratitude for people's support.
"Adrienne and I thank you for your continued prayers and support," Bolling added. "We must fight against this national epidemic, too many innocent victims."
2/ Adrienne and I thank you for your continued prayers and support. We must fight against this national epidemic, too many innocent victims. pic.twitter.com/BigEPYhkP9
— Eric Bolling (@ericbolling) October 26, 2017
Bolling wasn't exaggerating when he said "national epidemic." Mere hours before Eric Chase's cause of death was made public, President Donald Trump declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency.
"Beyond the shocking death tolls, the shocking measure of the opioid crisis involves the families ripped apart and for many communities, a generation of lost potential and opportunity," Trump said. "As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue. It is time to liberate our communities from this scourge of drug addiction."
"We will overcome addiction in America," he added.
Opioids have played a major role in the rise of the number of deaths from drug overdoses according to Daily Wire's Paul Bois. He reported that the deaths have "jumped more than 200% in the last 16 years across all demographics."
Although Trump's declaration only lasts for 90 days, it is a huge step in the right direction, so hopefully the federal government will continue to renew it and find success in combating this epidemic.
