NEW YORK DJ AM, the sought-after disc jockey who became a celebrity in his own right with high-profile romances and a glamorous lifestyle and survived a plane crash just months ago, was found dead in his apartment Friday. He had a history of drug problems.

Police found a crack pipe and prescription pills in the Manhattan apartment, said a law enforcement official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing. Paramedics had to break down the door before they found him, shirtless and wearing sweatpants, in his bed around 5:20 p.m., the official said.

A friend had called police to say he was unable to get into the home in the trendy SoHo neighborhood. There was no evidence of foul play, and a medical examiner will determine the DJs cause of death.

DJ AM, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, had talked openly about past addictions to crack cocaine, Ecstasy and other drugs, addictions so bad he once tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head but the gun jammed. However, he claimed he had been drug-free for years, even swearing off cigarettes.

His spokeswoman, Jenni Weinman, said the circumstances surrounding his death were unclear. She pleaded for privacy for his family.

In October, MTV was to debut his new reality show, Gone Too Far, in which he and concerned families staged interventions for drug abusers. In a recent interview with the AP, he talked about holding a crack pipe for the first time in years for the show and said he felt as though he had an angel on his shoulder for surviving so much turmoil.

Last year, he was badly hurt in a South Carolina plane crash that killed four people and seriously injured rock musician Travis Barker.

MTV did not have an immediate comment on whether the show would air.

Goldstein, 36, was a DJ for hire who performed at Hollywoods most exclusive parties and was admired by music aficionados. He also was famous for relationships with the reality TV star Nicole Richie, the daughter of singer Lionel Richie, and with actress-singer Mandy Moore.

Goldstein rose to fame several years ago as highly sought-after DJ whose beats kept the dance floor packed and clubgoers hypnotized. He was known for his deft mashups, a blend of at least two songs, and performed not only in clubs but on grand stages, performing earlier this year at the Coachella music festival in Indio, Calif.

Representatives for Moore and Barker didnt immediately return telephone messages seeking comment on the DJs death, but other celebrities and fans instantly shared their reactions on Twitter, where RIP DJ AM was the No. 1 topic Friday.

Im stunned. Rest in peace Adam, singer-songwriter Josh Groban posted.

Im sorry to loved ones, musician and video director Pete Wentz wrote. So unexpected.

Singer John Mayer wrote: Were supposed to lose our friends to time, at an age when were ready to agree to the terms of having lived a long life. Not now.