Aaron Carter Documentary: Unraveling the Family’s Heartbreak
The struggles of Aaron Carter with substance abuse and mental health issues leading up to his untimely death in 2022 have been widely documented. A new two-part documentary titled ‘The Carters’ premieres on April 15 on Paramount+, shedding light on the poignant history of loss and trauma within the Carter family.
Intimate Revelations from Family and Friends
In the documentary, Aaron’s twin sister, Angel Carter Conrad, along with close friends and family members, shares previously undisclosed experiences and moments that contributed to Aaron’s tragic fate. A pivotal moment recounted includes Aaron driving to the home of his brother, Nick Carter, while reportedly armed, illustrating the alarming descent of his mental health.
The Impact of Mental Illness
Angel reflects on a conversation where Aaron confided about his diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This distressing dialogue included disturbing thoughts he experienced, including violent tendencies towards both infants and Nick’s pregnant wife, Lauren Kitt Carter. “I could tell that he was already taking drugs again,” Angel noted. “He was real manic, all over the place and all the same bad habits were happening again.”
Family’s Attempts to Intervene
Amid escalating concerns over Aaron’s behavior, Angel initially hesitated to inform Nick, fearing it would jeopardize Aaron’s career. However, as Aaron acquired multiple firearms and displayed alarming conduct online, Angel ultimately divulged her concerns to Nick. In September 2019, both siblings took the painful step of filing a restraining order against Aaron due to his threatening actions.
Escalating Violence and Family Fear
Despite these protective measures, Aaron’s behavior grew increasingly volatile. In one instance, while live-streaming, he drove towards Las Vegas—where Nick lived—in a distressed state with a firearm in his possession. “They had helicopters, they had SWAT. We did not know what he was going to do, what he was going to try,” Corey, Angel’s husband, recalled, highlighting the chaos and fear felt by the family during those intense moments.
The Last Conversations and Ultimate Tragedy
The family wished for Aaron to receive help, but his mental health continued to deteriorate. In his final conversation with Angel, he expressed anger and blame for his addiction, stating, “You’re the reason why I’m addicted to drugs. It’s your fault.” Tragically, Aaron passed away on November 5, 2022, drowning in his bathtub. The coroner ruled the death an accident, citing the effects of difluoroethane and alprazolam as contributing factors.
Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
In the aftermath of Aaron’s death, the family continues to grapple with their profound losses. Angel, now an advocate for children’s mental health through the Kids Mental Health Foundation, emphasizes the need for awareness and dialogue surrounding mental illnesses. She stated, “We have to do something. This cannot just be swept under the rug.”
Conclusion
The release of ‘The Carters’ aims not only to remember Aaron but also to foster conversations around the critical issue of mental health within families. As the Carter siblings work through their grief, they hold onto the hope that by sharing their story, they can promote understanding and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
