Joey Boots, a personality on Howard Stern’s who died in December, died of a heroin overdose, a spokeswoman for the New York City Medical Examiner told TheWrap on Monday.
Boots’ official cause of death was acute heroin intoxication, the official said, while the manner of death was accident.
Boots, whose real name was Joseph Bassolino, was 49 when he died.
Stern took to Twitter on Dec. 24 to mourn the loss of his friend, writing, “Tribute to the one and only Joey B in the new year. He will be missed. #BabaooeyHowardSternpenis.”
Boots was best known for his catchphrase “Baba Booey,” often shouted during live news broadcasts to the delight of Stern’s loyal fans. He was a member of the Wack Pack, Stern’s motley crew of non-professional radio guests who have become pop culture personalities in their own right due to the popularity of the show.
Boots’ body was discovered when fellow Wack Packer High Pitch Erik went to Boots’ apartment when he failed to show up for a podcast, and according to audio of the show obtained by TMZ, persuaded the building manager to let him in when Boots didn’t answer the door.
According to police, Boots died Dec. 23 in his Bronx home. He was found unconscious and unresponsive with no apparent trauma, CNN reported at the time..
The Wack Pack has lost several members in recent years, including “Crackhead Bob,” Eric the Actor, Riley Martin and Johnny Fratto.