Philly Rapper Tech 9’s Death Was a Suicide, Says Coroner
The Germantown resident died the day before he was scheduled to be arraigned on child porn charges.
Legendary Philly battle rapper Tech 9. (Photo via Instagram)
Additional information about Tech 9’s death was released on Friday, May 31st. See our new story here.
It has been more than two months since legendary Philadelphia battle rapper Tech 9 died, and now the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office has released a final determination in his death.
According to first deputy coroner Alexander Balacki, Tech 9’s manner of death was suicide, and the specific cause of death was an overdose of diphenhydramine, the common antihistamine. No further details were immediately available.
Tech 9, born Akhiym Mickens, was pronounced dead on March 24th at Holy Redeemer Hospital just outside of Philadelphia.
On March 25th, the day after his death, the 32-year-old Germantown resident had been scheduled for an arraignment hearing in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas on charges of child pornography, indecent assault, indecent exposure, and corruption of minors. According to court documents, Mickens had been arrested on January 5th following allegations that he had assaulted the daughter of his girlfriend.
When word of Mickens’s sudden death originally got out, many in the rap community thought the reports were referring to similarly-named rapper Tech N9ne, who put out a video to clear up the confusion.
“Condolences to the battle rapper Tech 9,” he said. “He’s been battling for years. I’ve observed many a battle of his. Condolences to the family … My family is calling my phone wondering if I’m OK. I’m OK. My condolences go out to the battle rapper, Tech 9. Philly, stand up.”
Philly’s own Meek Mill also paid his respects via Twitter:
Rip dawg!!! I’m tired of saying rip 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/zocx0pyUhL
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) March 25, 2019
After Mickens died — but before the information about the child porn charges was widely shared — his father raised close to $30,000 via a Facebook fundraising campaign to cover funeral expenses. But once the arrest was public, some regretted making a contribution and asked for their money back.
For confidential support if you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text to 741-741. Learn about the warning signs of suicide at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
