Jackson Browne’s son Ethan’s cause of death revealed after actor died at 52
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Authorities have revealed the cause of death of Ethan Browne, the eldest son of singer-songwriter and political activist Jackson Browne. The actor and model died on November 25, 2025, at the age of 52.
Jackson Browne, 77, confirmed his son’s death on November 26. Read on to learn more about the cause of the 52-year-old’s death.
What is the cause of death of Ethan Browne?
Ethan Browne died due to the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed on Tuesday, January 13. The medical examiner ruled his manner of death an accident.
Months earlier, when Jackson Browne announced his son’s death, he said, “It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away.”
He added, “We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time. No further details are available at this moment."
Years earlier, Jackson Browne reflected on his many roles, including “writing, performing, and fatherhood,” in a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone. According to the outlet, Jackson played briefly with his baby after a show during the interview. Jackson, who was 25 at the time, spoke warmly of Ethan, saying, “I love it when he laughs. His little voice. His little throat.”
He also shared what inspired him to become a father, explaining, “I wanted a baby ’cause I wanted to be a baby. I play with him all the time; there’s something pure about it. Look at all those expressions he’s got. He’s a real kick in the a**."
Mark Ronson’s memoir describes Ethan's fashion campaigns
As an adult, Ethan stepped into Hollywood and built a career in entertainment and fashion. According to producer Mark Ronson’s memoir 'Night People,' Ronson wrote about Ethan’s fashion campaigns. The memoir notes that Ethan became an accomplished model and appeared in campaigns for several designers, including Isaac Mizrahi.
Ronson described Ethan as the “real deal,” citing his angular face and soulful gaze, which he said seemed to reveal deep emotion. He also highlighted Ethan’s facial features, writing that Ethan had “sharp cheekbones” like his mother and “soulful eyes” like his father, Jackson Browne.
While expanding his modeling career, Ethan also co-founded Spinside Records, an imprint under Browne’s independent label, Inside Recordings, and began transitioning to film. He appeared on the big screen alongside Kate Hudson in the 2004 film Raising Helen.
Jackson Browne also praised his son as a devoted parent. “Ethan is a great father. He’s a great son, a great man,” Jackson said. “I love seeing him with his kids. When I see him in his movies, modeling, with his daughter, and being such a great dad, it makes me very proud. It makes me feel I've done something really right in my life."
