John Bonham, the legendary drummer for the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, tragically died on September 25, 1980. His death was officially ruled an accidental death due to pulmonary aspiration.
The Tragic Circumstances
On the day of his passing, and in the 24 hours leading up to it, John Bonham consumed a significant amount of alcohol. Information from the inquest showed he had consumed approximately 40 shots of 40% ABV vodka, which equates to between 1 and 1.4 liters. This excessive alcohol intake led to him vomiting, and he subsequently choked on his own vomit. This condition is medically known as pulmonary aspiration.
Inquest Findings
An inquest was conducted to determine the official cause and circumstances surrounding Bonham's death. The findings were clear and definitive.
| Detail | Finding/Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Inquest | October 27, 1980 |
| Primary Cause of Death | Pulmonary aspiration |
| Official Ruling | Accidental death |
Bonham's untimely death at the age of 32 was a profound loss to the music world and directly led to the dissolution of Led Zeppelin, as the remaining members felt they could not continue without their indispensable drummer.
