The actor, model, and musician died on Nov. 25, 2025
The cause of death of Ethan Browne, the eldest son of singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, has been revealed.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that Ethan died at the age of 52 from the “effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine and lidocaine.” His death was determined to be accidental.
Jackson confirmed his son’s passing in a previous Instagram statement late last year that read: “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. We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time.”
Born Nov. 2, 1973, Ethan was raised in Los Angeles. He worked as a model and appeared in the 1995 crime thriller Hackers, featured in an episode of the TV series Birds of Prey, and had a small role in the 2004 rom-com Raising Helen.
He launched record label, Spinside Records, with the multi-instrumentalist Cat Colbert to form Alain Zane. The duo released their debut album, Right Before Your Eyes, in 2022 via the label.
Just six months after his birth, Ethan appeared in his father’s arms on the cover of Rolling Stone. In the accompanying story, Browne discussed his then-burgeoning career and new fatherhood. “I wanted a baby ’cause I wanted to be a baby,” he said. “I play with [Ethan] all the time; there’s something pure about it. Look at all those expressions he’s got. He’s a real kick in the ass.”
