Ronnie Montrose - Death

Death

On March 3, 2012, Ronnie Montrose took his own life. The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office released a report on April 6 that confirmed the guitarist died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Ronnie did not leave a suicide note.

Ronnie had a difficult life that led him to be very self-critical and may have contributed to his long-term alcoholism. The toxicology reported a blood-alcohol level of 0.31% (four times the legal limit in California) at the time of death. In early 2012, the deaths of his uncle and Lola (his beloved bulldog whose companionship helped him cope with his cancer recovery) contributed to depression.

On the morning of March 3, 2012 at 11:01 A.M., a series of text messages with his wife Leighsa preceded the suicide:

"...I have the .38 in my hand and am ready to go."

"I’m so sorry. Still have the gun in my hand. I’m going on that voyage. I love you beyond measure."

At this point Leighsa called Ronnie and asked him to come to her location. He agreed. After a few minutes, Leighsa decided to not wait and go to Ronnie, but noticed another text on her phone.

"I can’t. I’ve got the gun to my head."

Leighsa rushed home with her mother where they found Ronnie dead in his living room. He was pronounced dead at noon.