At age 16, Cathy Smith left school and her home in Burlington, Ontario, and in a bar in nearby Hamilton, saw a performance by a band called the Hawks — whose members would later find success as The Band. Smith connected with multiple Hawks, including Rick Danko, Levon Helm, and Richard Manuel. At age 17, Smith gave birth to a baby (whom she placed into adoption) she claimed was Helm's, which he denied.
Smith then carried on a three-year-long tumultuous affair with married singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, then, while singing and writing for Hoyt Axton's band, started taking drugs like cocaine and heroin. She moved into dealing to celebrities, including John Belushi. It was Smith who injected Belushi with the heroin and cocaine that led to his fatal overdose at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood in 1982. Smith was questioned and released by police, but was charged after a damning interview with the National Enquirer. "I killed John Belushi. I didn't mean to, but I am responsible," Smith said. After agreeing to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and drug charges, Smith would serve 15 months in prison and be deported back to Canada.
The British Columbia Coroners Service in Canada told media outlets in early September 2020 that Smith had died of undisclosed causes on August 16 in the town of Maple Ridge. After suffering from health issues for years, Smith died at age 73.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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