How Peter Steele Died: The Full Timeline
Peter Steele, born Peter Thomas Ratajczyk on January 4, 1962, died on April 14, 2010, at age 48 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, from sepsis caused by untreated diverticulitis, initially misreported as heart failure or aortic aneurysm. An autopsy confirmed an aortic aneurysm, but in 2018, the Estate of Peter T. Ratajczyk clarified the true cause as diverticulitis leading to sepsis, noting Steele mistook symptoms for the flu and delayed hospital care to stay with his cat undergoing tumor treatment.
Peter Steele's death capped a career marked by personal struggles amid Type O Negative's gothic metal success (formed 1990, post-Fallout and Carnivore). Key events:
Steele was prepping new music, delaying the band's first album since Dead Again.
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Peter Steele Death - Frequently Asked Questions
How did Peter Steele die?
Peter Steele died on April 14, 2010, at his home in Scranton, Pennsylvania, of sepsis caused by untreated diverticulitis. He was 48 years old. Initial reports of heart failure or aortic aneurysm were later corrected by the Estate of Peter T. Ratajczyk in November 2018.
What is the actual cause of Peter Steele's death?
The verified cause is sepsis brought on by untreated diverticulitis. Steele began suffering flu-like symptoms around April 12, 2010, which turned out to be diverticulitis; he died two days later as the infection became septic.
How old was Peter Steele when he died?
He was 48 years old. Born January 4, 1962, and died April 14, 2010 - just over three months past his 48th birthday.
Was Peter Steele using drugs or alcohol when he died?
No. Steele had been sober since fall 2009, roughly six months before his death. The cause was a treatable medical condition - diverticulitis progressing to sepsis - not substance-related.
Where is Peter Steele buried?
Peter Steele is buried at Cemetery of the Holy Cross in Brooklyn, New York. A memorial oak tree was also planted in his honour at Brooklyn's Prospect Park in 2011.
Did Type O Negative continue after Peter Steele died?
No. The remaining members (Josh Silver, Kenny Hickey, Johnny Kelly) officially dissolved Type O Negative in November 2010. As Kelly put it: "When Peter died, Type O Negative died with him."