Aaron Carter's death an accident, result of drowning due to gas, drug effects, autopsy finds

Aaron Carter's cause of death has been determined.

According to an autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office obtained by USA TODAY Tuesday, the pop star died from drowning in a bathtub at his residence due to gas and drug effects.

The report states that difluoroethane, a gas commonly used as a propellant in air spray cleaners for electronic devices, and alprazolam, a drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety according to Mayo Clinic, were both found in Carter's system.

Carter, 34, was found submerged in water and unresponsive in a bathtub at his residence and pronounced dead at the scene by medics on Nov. 5.

Difluoroethane can "induce feelings of euphoria when inhaled" and is known for its "cardiotoxic effects which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest," the report says, adding that alprazolam has "depressant effects on the central nervous system which can cause drowsiness and sedation."

The medical examiner determined the manner of Carter's death to be an accident.

"Mr. Carter became incapacitated while in the bathtub due to the effects of inhaling compressed gas and taking alprazolam," the report states. "This resulted in him becoming submerged under water, unable to breathe, and ultimately led to his death. The cause of death is drowning due to the effects of difluoroethane and alprazolam. The manner of death is accident."

The autopsy was performed the day after Carter's death, but the results were withheld for toxicology tests, which often take months.

Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brother’s boy band, and appeared on the family’s reality series "House of Carters" that aired on E! Entertainment Television. In 2009, he competed on Season 9 of "Dancing With the Stars," finishing fifth with his professional partner Karina Smirnoff.

Aaron Carter, singer and reality TV star, found dead at 34 in California home

Deputies responded around 11 a.m. on Nov. 5 following reports of a medical emergency at Carter's home in Lancaster, California. Authorities said a house sitter found a man in the bathtub in the home and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Carter’s fiancée, Melanie Martin, mother of his young son, asked for privacy.

"We are still in the process of accepting this unfortunate reality," Martin said in a statement at the time. "Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated."

Nick Carter says his 'heart has been broken' amid brother Aaron's death; Backstreet Boys pay tribute

Contributing: USA TODAY staff and The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Carter cause of death: Drowning due to gas, drug effects