Aaron Carter’s twin sister Angel shared poignant childhood snaps of the late star in an emotional post to mark their 36th birthdays on Thursday.
Carter, 34, was found dead in a bathtub inside his home in Lancaster, California by his housekeeper on November 5, 2022 – following a life marred by substance abuse and mental illness.
The cause of death was later attributed to drowning after inhaling compressed difluoroethane, also known as huffing, and ingesting alprazolam, which is sold under the brand name Xanax.
Angel, who starred alongside Aaron on 2006 reality show House of Carters, reflected on the pair’s childhood ‘surrounded by dysfunction and constant trauma.’
Sharing photos of Aaron as a youngster before his rise to fame as a child singer, she wrote: ‘Remember this boy on his birthday today. He was an energetic, vivacious, happy and loving child who deserved to be living life to the fullest.
Aaron Carter ‘s twin sister Angel shared poignant childhood snaps of the late star in an emotional post to mark their 36th birthdays on Thursday (pictured together 2006)
Carter, 34, was found dead in a bathtub inside his home in Lancaster, California by his housekeeper on November 5, 2022 – following a life marred by substance abuse and mental illness
‘We grew up under unique circumstances that were surrounded by dysfunction and constant trauma. Sadly, it was a cycle that was repeated amongst generations.
Referring to the charity she and older brother Nick Carter had set up to support children with mental health issues, she continued: ‘The work that On Our Sleeves is doing is critical. In order to make a change we must educate ourselves.
‘1 in 5 children is living with a mental illness and 50% of lifetime mental illness presents before the age of 14. We all can feel that there is a youth mental health crisis, and we all know someone who has been impacted. Yet stigma remains.
‘Deep in my heart, I feel that Aaron is watching over us. Our efforts, fueled by his inspiration, have already impacted lives and will persist in doing so. You can contribute by dedicating your time to research, fostering education, and cultivating wholesome discussions within your home.
‘Happy Birthday to my twin. I will always love you.’
The singer grew up in the shadow of Carter’s world-conquering boy band, but he tried to stake out his own claim in pop music, releasing his first record in 1997 at the age of just nine, on the same Jive Records label that led his brother to stardom.
His second album, ‘Aaron’s Party (Come Get It),’ went triple platinum upon it’s 2000 release and spawned multiple charting singles, including a video for ‘That’s How I Beat Shaq,’ in which the singer went 1-on-1 with NBA great Shaquille O’Neal.
His 2001 album, ‘Oh Aaron,’ only sold over a million copies in the US alone and the singer failed to have the staying power his brother’s group did. He released one more album of original songs in 2002 before going 16 years without making any new music.
Sharing photos of Aaron as a youngster before his rise to fame as a child singer, she wrote: ‘Remember this boy on his birthday today. He was an energetic, vivacious, happy and loving child who deserved to be living life to the fullest’
Carter, like many young music stars of his era, also pursued some acting, appearing in several Disney Channel sitcoms.
He would go on to make a few appearances in motion pictures, including ‘Fat Albert’ and ‘Ella Enchanted,’ but his film career would sputter out, much like his singing career.
Carter’s life was often fodder for tabloids, not only because of his brother, but who he dated: He was linked to fellow child stars Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan.
He also appeared on a reality show with his brother and three other siblings, E!’s ‘House of Carters’ in 2006.
Aaron Carter reappeared in the public eye in 2009, finishing in fifth place on the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars.
By 2011, the former child star had ended up in rehab at the Betty Ford Center in California. At the end of the year, he had returned to the stage, even appearing in an off-Broadway musical.
His sister, Leslie, also suffered from drug addiction, dying of an overdose at just 25 years old in 2012.
Leslie’s death was a significant break in the relationship between the siblings, particularly Nick.
The cause of death was later attributed to drowning after inhaling compressed difluoroethane, also known as huffing, and ingesting alprazolam, which is sold under the brand name Xanax
The late star is seen performing in February 2022 – nine months before his death
The singer grew up in the shadow of Carter’s world-conquering boy band but tried to stake out his own claim in pop music, releasing his first record in 1997 at the age of just nine
Carter also appeared on a reality show with his brother and three other siblings, E!’s ‘House of Carters’ in 2006
Nick Carter told The Dr. Phil Show in 2013 that his relationship to his four siblings had ‘been toxic’ after Leslie died. He said he felt his family blamed him for Leslie’s death.
Aaron accused Leslie of sexual abuse in 2019, saying she had abused him between the ages of 10 and 13 and would happen when Leslie failed to take medication for bipolar disorder.
He’d also accused Nick of abuse, though his legal team denied the allegations.
Aaron had multiple run-ins with the law related to substance abuse.
Carter was arrested in Texas in 2008 for speeding and was found to have marijuana in his vehicle, according to Fox News.
He was again arrested for driving under the influence in 2017 and reckless driving in 2021.
His problems with family continued that year, saying that Nick had tried to put him under a conservatorship, according to TMZ.
Carter had split from fiancée Martin just one week after they welcomed their first child together.