Coroner: Renfro died of drug overdose

Former child star Brad Renfro died of an overdose of heroin and morphine, it has been revealed.

The actor was found dead in his LA home by his girlfriend on January 15.

A Los Angeles coroner ruled that the 25-year-old died accidentally after suffering "acute heroin/morphine intoxication".

Renfro had spent 10 days in jail in May 2006 for attempting to buy heroin from an undercover police officer. He was also charged with cocaine and marijuana possession in 1998 and was placed on probation in 2001 after stealing a 45-foot yacht in Florida.

He made his movie debut at the age of 12 in 1994's The Client. He later starred in films including Apt Pupil, Sleepers and Ghost World and had recently completed work on Bret Easton Ellis adaptation The Informers.

The Client co-star Susan Sarandon said: "It was obvious to everyone that he was the sweetest, most incredibly gifted young actor to come along for some time. My heart goes out to the family for their tragic loss."

Sir Ian McKellen, who appeared opposite Renfro in Apt Pupil, has also spoken of his sorrow at the actor's death.