Peter Steele’s sudden death in 2010 shocked fans, leaving many questions unanswered—including what happened to his estate. Who inherited his money and belongings? Did he leave behind a will? Here’s what we know.
Peter Steele’s Cause of Death
Peter Steele passed away on April 14, 2010, at 48 years old. At first, reports suggested he died from heart failure, but later updates revealed the actual cause was sepsis caused by diverticulitis. His family confirmed this in 2018, explaining that the illness led to a deadly infection.
Steele had been living in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was planning to return to Brooklyn to record a new Type O Negative album. In his final days, he believed he had the flu and didn’t seek medical attention. His cat was sick, and he didn’t want to leave it behind. Unfortunately, the infection worsened and led to his death.
Steele was buried in St. Charles/Resurrection Cemeteries in East Farmingdale, New York after a private funeral. In 2011, a tree was planted in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, in his memory.
Did Peter Steele Leave a Will?
There is no public record of a will left by Peter Steele. He was not married and had no children, so the most likely heirs were his five older sisters. If he had any other arrangements, they were never made public.
His estate’s exact value isn’t fully known, but reports estimated his net worth at around $1 million at the time of his death. If no will existed, his assets would’ve gone to his closest living relatives.
Financial Struggles and Last Years
Steele wasn’t as wealthy as some might assume. Type O Negative had its commercial peak in the mid-‘90s, but by the 2000s, the band wasn’t selling as many records.
At one point, he had to sell his family home in Brooklyn. But he later managed to move back to the neighborhood before his passing. In the years leading up to his death, Steele was sober and excited about performing live again.
The Steele Family’s Stance on His Legacy
In 2014, a biography about Peter Steele titled ‘Soul on Fire’ was released. The book included stories from bandmates, friends, and record label executives, but Steele’s family publicly distanced themselves from it. They believed the book contained sensationalized and inaccurate information about his life.
His estate withdrew its endorsement of the book, stating it focused too much on controversy rather than his music. This shows that his family still had control over how his legacy was handled.
What Happened to Type O Negative After His Death?
After Steele’s passing, Type O Negative members decided not to continue without him. In November 2010, drummer Johnny Kelly confirmed that the band had officially disbanded, stating, “When Peter died, Type O Negative died with him.”
Steele’s bandmates went on their own paths. Keyboardist Josh Silver left the music industry and became a paramedic in New York City. Guitarist Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly continued playing music together in bands like Seventh Void and Silvertomb.
