T for Tommy’: Demi Lovato Reveals Tattoo Tribute To Late Addiction-Troubled Friend
Oct. 15 2019, Updated 5:46 p.m. ET
Demi Lovato got a new tattoo to pay permanent tribute to a friend who died suddenly last week.
As RadarOnline.com reported, Thomas Trussell III¸ who long had battled drug and other addictions, was found dead at a Super 8 motel in Echo Park on October 8. He was just 31 years old.
To honor her friend, Lovato got a simple “T” tattooed on her forearm and shared a snap on Instagram.
“A T for Tommy. RIP you special angel. Love you forever,” she captioned the story. “thank you for the ink @rafael_valdez.. it’s beautiful and I’m so grateful for this.”
On Wednesday, October 9 on her Instagram Stories, the “Sober” singer, 27, shared the news of Trussell’s death.
“Devastated. Please hold your loved ones tight. Tell them they are special and that you love them,” Lovato wrote underneath a black-and-white photo of her friend. “Make sure they know it. RIP to my boo @sirtruss ???.”
Officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department told RadarOnline.com Thomas was found dead on the scene Tuesday morning.
After an autopsy, the cause of death was deferred pending additional investigation.
A longtime friend told RadarOnline.com that Trussell “tried so hard” to stay sober.
“Even after relapses, he came back ten times more focused on living a sober life and doing it not only for himself but for everyone in his life,” the heartbroken friend said.
While still in mourning, Lovato took the opportunity to warn her fans about the dangers of addiction.
“Addiction is NO joke,” she wrote alongside another photo of Thomas. “heaven gained this beautiful angel last night because of that terrible disease. I’m crushed and will always miss you @sirtruss.”
“If you or someone you know is struggling please know it’s okay to ask for help,” she added in her message to her followers.
As RadarOnline.com readers know, Lovato, 27, has long struggled with addiction.
After six years sober, she relapsed and suffered a nearly fatal opiate overdose on July 24, 2018.
She soon checked into rehab for several months and celebrated one year of sobriety this summer.
Since then, the singer/actress has been living her life, and is currently dating Bachelorette fan-favorite Mike Johnson.