Michael Baze cause of death confirmed, Hollywood Park winner overdoses
Michael Baze lost his life on May 10, 2011. He was discovered slumped in his Cadillac Escalade. His body was sent for an autopsy but turned out to be inconclusive.
Since the autopsy did not reveal the cause of his death, his tests were sent for a toxicological examination. The report was due to come in three weeks.
The Jefferson County Deputy coroner, Jim Wesley on June 3, 2011 gave a statement stating that the 24 year old died form an accidental over dosage, or, multiple substance intoxication. He was briefing the Associated Press and he elaborated that the jockey’s
body was found to have significant amounts of cocaine and Oxymorphone, a pain medication.
Michael Baze came from a family of riders and people, who have devoted their lives, to the sport of horse racing. He is the son of retired jockey, Mike Baze, who was considered as a leading rider at Longacres in Renton in 1978.
Baze at the age of 20 was the second jockey to score a win at Hollywood Park. The first was scored by Bill Shoemaker in 1950. He got hold of his driving license on his sixteenth birthday in 2003.
Baze was a remarkable jockey. He maintained his repute by establishing himself as the leading top jockey last year in Arlington Park in Chicago. He also got hold of jockey laurels in the Hollywood Park and Del Mar in 2007.
During his career he managed to win 918 races, including 20 graded stakes wins. He got hold of his first win in the 2006 Carleton F. Burke at Santa Anita for trainer Mike Mitchell. He was aboard Symphony Sid. His lifetime earnings are a total of about $32
million.
Michael Haze at the time of his death was facing charges related to drugs. He was arrested on November 18, 2010, when he was spotted carrying a cocaine bag in his pant pockets.
Michael Baze had been divorced from his wife, Kelly and because of the following depression he might have given into drugs. Baze had also faced legal troubles regarding alcohol abuse. He was arrested once while being drunk in Carlsbad, California.
Michael C. Baze's mother, Teri Gibson, commented on the coroner’s findings by saying they were "shocking because he was finally becoming happy". She also commented about the cocaine usage “I honestly thought he was not doing that anymore. He wasn't perfect.
He had some issues”.
According to New York Times “Baze failed a Breathalyzer test at Oaklawn Park before the races on March 11 and was taken off his mounts and fined $500. It was notable because the test was administered at the request of other riders, or, officials, who suspected
he might have been intoxicated when he arrived to ride”.
Baze rode for the last time on April 29, 2011. As for now the world of horse racing has lost a very promising rider.
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