collapsed into a five day, near fatal diabetic coma brought on by drug abuse. Once he recovered, the Dead made a triumphant return with “In the Dark.” Two years later, however, trouble suddenly began following the Dead and its usual mellow hippies. In April 1989 there were fifty five arrests and violent encounters with police at two Pittsburgh shows, as a result, the Dead recorded a public service announcement asking fans to act responsibly at their shows. In July 1990 Mydland died of an overdose of injected heroin and morphine. He was later replaced by Vince Welnick. In September 1992 the bearish, Garcia was hospitalized with diabetes, an enlarged heart, and fluid in the lungs. The Dead returned to the scene with a more healthy Jerry, in 1992 with a series of Bay Area concerts. That same year Garcia- whose paintings, often pastel watercolors, had been exhibited internationally- unveiled a line of designer silk ties bearing his artwork. By then the massive catalogue of Dead merchandise also included skis and snowboards as well as T-shirts and even a line of toddler wear. (Carnegie, 1-4) With the obvious troubles Garcia has had with drugs, he checked himself into the Betty Ford clinic for drug rehabilitation. “To work on a new album and get strained out,” he says. But his body has had too much trouble already. He checked himself out to go home for his birthday, his 53rd. Soon after he checked himself into a clinic closer to his home. His hard work and dedication, were not enough. Sometime before dawn on Wednesday, August 9, Jerry Garcia’s heart stopped. He was pronounced dead later that day, after hours of help from paramedics. Deborah Garcia had later told friends that he had died with a smile on his lips, the long strange trip was over. At sunrise August 9th, the news was released. Hours afte...
