Motorist who struck King died of painkiller overdose

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — The motorist who struck Stephen King with his van died of an accidental overdose of a painkiller, state medical examiners said.

Bryan Smith, 43, of Fryeburg, died of an overdose of fentanyl, according to toxicology reports. He was found dead in his home Sept. 22.

Smith, who suffered from a back injury unrelated to the accident, had been prescribed the painkiller not long before his death. His family also said he suffered bouts of depression.

In 1999, Smith struck and nearly killed King as the author was walking along a road. Smith was trying to control his dog in the back seat.