Summary of confirmed facts
Daniel Wayne Smith died on September 10, 2006, at age 20, in an Antioch, California, residence. His death was ruled an accidental intoxication involving methadone, alprazolam, and other medications, with recent use of multiple substances confirmed. He was the son of actress Anna Nicole Smith and her former husband J. Howard Marshall II; half-brother is Dannielynn Birkhead. No criminal charges were filed related to his death. This overview provides evidence-based details and source types for reference.
Who was Daniel Wayne Smith
Daniel Wayne Smith (August 22, 1986 – September 10, 2006) was the son of American model and actress Anna Nicole Smith and oil executive J. Howard Marshall II. Born in Texas, he lived parts of his childhood in Texas and California. He gained public attention as a minor due to his mother’s high-profile career and legal matters. He maintained a relatively private personal life otherwise.
Family background
His immediate family included his mother, Anna Nicole Smith; father, J. Howard Marshall II; and half-sister Dannielynn Birkhead (born 2006). Extended family included several grandparents and relatives on both sides. Custody and support matters were addressed in court records associated with his mother’s cases.
Public profile and presence
Daniel appeared briefly in media during his early years when his mother was in the public eye. He was not a professional actor or public figure. Later coverage primarily concerned his untimely death and occasional mentions in biographies of Anna Nicole Smith.
Details of his death
On September 10, 2006, Daniel Wayne Smith was found unresponsive at a home in Antioch, California. Emergency services responded but could not revive him. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined the cause to be an accidental intoxication involving methadone, alprazolam, and other drugs, with evidence of recent combined drug use.
Investigation and ruling
The investigation did not find evidence of trauma or criminal intent. The death was classified as accidental. No charges were filed against any individual regarding his passing. Toxicology reports played a key role in the conclusion.
Confirmed facts table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Daniel Wayne Smith | Birth certificate, obituaries |
| Date of birth | August 22, 1986 | Vital records, reputable biographies |
| Date of death | September 10, 2006 | Coroner’s report, law enforcement records |
| Age at death | 20 years old | Calculated from above dates |
| Location of death | Antioch, California, USA | Coroner’s report, news releases |
| Official cause of death | Accidental intoxication | Coroner’s toxicology report |
| Contributing substances | Methadone, alprazolam, others | Toxicology results |
| Criminal charges | None filed | Law enforcement statements |
Context and background
Daniel’s mother, Anna Nicole Smith, experienced significant media coverage throughout her career and legal battles. Following her death in 2007, additional attention focused on Daniel and his half-sister Dannielynn. Estate and custody matters involving his family have been documented in court proceedings, which sometimes reference him but do not change the basic facts of his life and death.
Common questions
- How did Daniel Wayne Smith die?
- Was anyone charged in relation to his death?
- Where did the incident happen?
- Was his death connected to his mother’s career or legal issues?
- Does he have any siblings?
He died from accidental intoxication involving methadone, alprazolam, and other medications, as determined by the coroner.
No criminal charges were filed.
At a home in Antioch, California.
No; the cause was medical/toxicological in nature, not connected to ongoing legal matters.
Yes, he had a half-sister, Dannielynn Birkhead, born after his death.
Distinguishing verified information from speculation
Published reports have at times included unverified details. This summary sticks to coroner findings, court documents, and reputable biographical sources. Speculation without evidential support is not presented as fact.
Reliable sources for further reading
- Los Angeles County Coroner’s reports released publicly.
- Official court records involving Anna Nicole Smith’s estate.
- Reputable major-news obituaries and biographies.
Key takeaways
Daniel Wayne Smith died accidentally in 2006 at age 20 in California due to multidrug intoxication. No criminal charges were filed. He is survived by his half-sister Dannielynn Birkhead. Facts are drawn from coroner and law-enforcement records.
Tags
Tags: daniel wayne smith, anna nicole smith, death, verified facts, status clarification