Angel Carter Reflects on Heartbreaking Last Chat with Aaron

Angel Carter, twin sister of the late Aaron Carter, has opened up about a deeply emotional conversation she had with her brother just days before his tragic death in 2022. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Angel shared the painful details of their final exchange, which took place in the midst of Aaron’s struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Angel revealed that the last time she saw Aaron in person was in 2019 during a courtroom hearing, a moment that left her heartbroken. “It makes me sad to know that the last time I saw him was in a courtroom,” she said. “It was the last time I ever saw Aaron.” This statement underscores the strained relationship between the siblings, which had been tested over the years due to family conflicts and Aaron’s escalating behavioral issues.

The Turbulent Relationship Between the Carter Siblings

The Carter family has long been no stranger to public scrutiny and personal struggles. Angel and Aaron grew up in a household marked by drugs and abuse, along with their older siblings Leslie and Bobbie Jean, who unfortunately passed away in 2012 and 2023, respectively. The family’s struggles were further highlighted in the documentary The Carters: Hurts to Love You, directed by Soleil Moon Frye, which premiered on Paramount+ on April 15, 2023.

In 2019, tensions reached a boiling point when Angel and her brother Nick Carter, a member of the Backstreet Boys, filed restraining orders against Aaron due to his alarming behavior. Nick described Aaron’s actions as increasingly dangerous, including threats against Nick’s pregnant wife and unborn child. “We were left with no choice but to take every measure possible to protect ourselves and our family,” Nick stated at the time.

Despite these legal measures, Angel and Aaron managed to reconnect sporadically. She recalled that after the restraining orders were filed, they had two lengthy conversations lasting four hours each, as well as several shorter exchanges. One particularly concerning moment occurred when Aaron was hospitalized with COVID-19, and Angel reached out to check on his well-being.

The Final Conversation: A Last Attempt to Rebuild a Relationship

Angel’s last conversation with Aaron took place just three days before his death on November 5, 2022. During this call, Aaron was seen on Instagram Live engaging in dangerous behavior, such as huffing duster cans, which led to him passing out. Concerned and heartbroken, Angel confronted him about his actions. “What are you doing?” she asked, to which Aaron initially denied the behavior. When confronted with evidence from the live video, Aaron blamed Angel for his drug use, saying, “You’re the reason why I’m doing this.”

Angel, understandably upset by these accusations, insisted that any future conversations must be mediated by a therapist to ensure a safe and productive dialogue. Aaron agreed to contact his therapist, but the conversation ended without resolution. Tragically, this was the last time Angel would speak to her brother.

Aaron’s death was attributed to drowning, likely caused by the combined effects of inhaling difluoroethane from a duster can and taking alprazolam, a benzodiazepine. His lifeless body was found in his bathtub by his housekeeper, a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse and mental health struggles.

Remembering Aaron: A Legacy of Love and Loss

In the aftermath of Aaron’s death, both Angel and Nick shared heartfelt tributes on social media, expressing their enduring love for their brother despite the complexities of their relationship. Nick wrote, “My heart has been broken today. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. I have always held onto the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed.”

Angel echoed these sentiments, writing, “To my twin… I loved you beyond measure. You will be missed dearly. My funny, sweet Aaron, I have so many memories of you… and I promise to cherish them. I know you’re at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again.”

Angel, who is now a mother to a 6-year-old daughter, Harper, has become an advocate for mental health awareness, working with her husband Corey Conrad through the Kids Mental Health Foundation in Columbus, Ohio. She hopes to inspire others by sharing her story and encouraging open conversations about mental health and addiction.

Conclusion: A Family’s Journey Through Tragedy and Resilience

The story of the Carter family is one of both heartbreak and resilience. Angel’s willingness to share her experiences provides a window into the complexities of family dynamics, mental health, and the lasting impact of loss. As she continues to honor her brother’s memory and advocate for mental health awareness, Angel serves as a beacon of hope and strength for others facing similar challenges.

For those struggling with mental health or substance abuse, resources are available. The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741, and the SAMHSA helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP. Remember, you are not alone, and help is just a call or text away.