Aaron Carter 'Never Really Dealt with a Lot of Trauma' from Sister and Father's Deaths, Says Source

Mar. 15, 2025

In the decade leading up to his owndeath at age 34on Saturday,Aaron Carterlost multiple immediate family members to various causes, and his struggle with substance abuse worsened in the aftermath, sources close to the late pop star and rapper tell PEOPLE.

“Aaron never really dealt with a lot of trauma he had,” says the insider, referencing Aaron’s older sister Leslie, whodied at age 25 of an overdosein 2012, and fatherRobert, who died at age 65 of a supposed heart attack (according toTMZ) in 2017. “He was really torn up when Leslie died, but it was Bob’s death that really threw him.”

The source continues, “He had such a dysfunctional relationship with both parents, but something about losing his dad really threw him. That’s when I saw him really start to spiral. He had gotten in trouble before, but he went from a partier to something a lot more dark then. It was like he gave up.”

Aaron and Robert Carter.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Aaron was discovered Saturday morning at his house in Lancaster, California, according to TMZ, who firstreportedthe news. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told PEOPLE a body was discovered just before 11 a.m., but police did not officially identify the victim.

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The star facedlegal troublesandstruggled with addictionover the years, for which hesought treatment. Most recently, he was pulled over for suspicion of DUI on Tuesday, but officersfound that he wasn’t under the influenceafter conducting a field sobriety test, TMZ reported.

Robert, Leslie and Aaron Carter.Evan Agostini/ImageDirect, Kristy Leibowitz/Getty, Gabe Ginsberg/Getty

Another source close to Aaron tells PEOPLE that he didn’t have a strong support system prior to his death. “He had no one he could trust, and no one trusted him. He was spiraling out of control and he knew it,” says the insider. “It was sad to watch. It was actually painful to see him make the choices he made.”

Leslie and Aaron Carter.Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Shortly after his death was confirmed, Aaron’s twin sister Angelposted an Instagram tributeto the “I Want Candy” singer alongside family photos of the pair as babies and young children. “To my twin… I loved you beyond measure. You will be missed dearly,” she began. “My funny, sweet Aaron, I have so many memories of you … and I promise to cherish them.”

Angel added: “I know you’re at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again. 💔.”

In addition to Angel and Leslie, Aaron was also a sibling to brotherNick Carterand sister Bobbie Jean Carter, as well as half-sister Virginia Marie Carter, half-brother Kaden Brent Carter, and step-sister Taelyn Dobson.

During aBackstreet Boysconcert in London on Sunday, Nick, 42, and the group honored his brother’s memory onstage. Midway through the show, singerKevin Richardsontold the crowd at the O2 Arena: “Tonight we got a little bit of heavy hearts because we lost one of our family members yesterday.”

“We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognize that Nick’s little brother, Aaron Carter, passed away yesterday at 34 years old,” added Richardson, 51. “He was a part of our family and we thank you guys for all the love and all the well wishes and all the support.”

In footage posted on the Theatre websiteAll That Dazzles, Nick then became emotional. In response, bandmatesAJ McLean, Howie Dorough and Brian Littrell rushed over to embrace him — with Littrell offering his sleeve for Carter to wipe his eyes.

“We’d like to dedicate this next song to our little brother Aaron Carter. You will be missed brother,” Dorough announced before the band launched into “Breathe.”

Elsewhere during the show, a montage of Nick and Aaron in different stages of their lives was shown on a screen during the song “No Place.” This eventually settled on a solo shot of Aaron, with “Aaron Carter 1987-2022” shown in large text.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com