From what I can gather, Demri Lara Parrott was, evidently, the love of Layne Staley's life. They were engaged, I'm not exactly sure how long, but broke up in 1993-1994. Due to a drug overdose, Demri passed away on October 29th, 1996. Layne took her death "extremely badly," according to a friend. According to my sources, Layne spiraled into a deep depression and was even put upon 24-hour suicide watch in the weeks following Demri's death. Popular belief is that Layne never truely recovered, and his agony was ended by his own drug overdose on April 5th, 2002. The following is Demri's obituary from a Seattle newspaper.
Demri Lara Parrott
Her half-brother, Derek, recently passed away also due to a car accident in February 2002.
Left this world October 29, 1996; born in Bremerton, Wa. on Feb. 22, 1969 and attended school in Arlington. Demri was passionate about many things and exceled in art and theater. She loved to collect vintage clothes, make decoupage, write poetry and play in front of the camera. Demri was well known and had numerous friends that she touched with her charismatic and enchanting personality. There were many people who shared happiness and joy with her in this life, so many that all cannot be mentioned in this limited space. Demri is survived by her mother, Kathleen Austin; father, Dennis Dougherty; brothers, Devin, Derek and David; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Austin; Uncle John, Aunt Glynna and Uncle Richard Lee; cousins, Brandy, Joe, Hanna, Katie, and Brian as well a large and extended family; her very special companion and loved one, Layne Staley. To those who always offered their support and love, the family would like to acknowledge Amber, Julie, Melinda, Mara, Sonja, Seth, Fabiola, Owen, Clay and Kevin Wilkens. A very special thanks to the Elmer Family, Susan Silver and Silver Management. An enormous amount of gratitude to those who always gave special and loving care to Demri, Harborview and University Medical Centers, Wedgwood and Evergreen Hospital. Services will be held Saturday, November 2, 3:30 p.m. at Neighborhood Christian Center, 5th and Warren, Bremerton (8 blocks to ferry dock). A Celebration of her life will also be held Sunday, November 3, from 3 p.m to 7 p.m. at 4745 University Way. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harborview Adult Medicine Clinic in Demri's name.
