Texas Medical Examiner Says Boone Pickens' Grandson Died Of Heroin Use

Authorities say the grandson of billionaire T. Boone Pickens died of heroin intoxication after an evening of drug use at a friend's apartment.

The Tarrant County medical examiner's office announced Wednesday that the Jan. 29 death of Thomas "Ty" Boone Pickens IV was accidental.

1/29/2013 Related Story: T. Boone Pickens: Death Of Grandson Is 'Unspeakable Loss'

Medical officials had to wait weeks to receive toxicology and other test results before announcing the cause of death for the 21-year-old Pickens.

He was a junior at TCU at the time of his death.

He died at a hospital after being taken there by private vehicle.

Another student at TCU was charged with tampering with evidence after police said he removed items from the apartment and hid them from authorities. Police say the evidence included heroin, drug paraphernalia and marijuana.

03/11/2013 Related Story: Man Arrested For Tampering With Evidence In Death Of T. Boone Pickens' Grandson

The elder Pickens made much of his fortune in oil drilling but has since become an advocate for alternative energy. The 84-year-old also is active in politics and has donated millions of dollars to his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, and various other causes.