Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark dies of a drug overdose

At the time of his death, Clark was on a six-month leave of absence from Def Leppard.

On January 8, 1991, Clark was found dead on his couch by his girlfriend Janie Dean. He was 30 years old. The autopsy revealed he had died from an overdose of codeine and had Valium, morphine and a blood alcohol level of .30, three times the British legal driving limit. There was no evidence of suicidal intent. Daniel Van Alphen, Clark's drinking companion the night before, testified that the two went to the local pub and returned to the guitarist's home at midnight to watch a video.

He was buried at Wisewood Cemetery, Loxley, Sheffield, near the Clark family home.

Tesla, who opened for Def Leppard on the Hysteria tour, recorded a tribute to Steve Clark on their Psychotic Supper album, called "Song & Emotion (To Our Friend, Steve 'Steamin' Clark)".