Rapper Mac Miller died from a drug overdose on Sept. 7. The news was shocking both because of his age — he was only 26 — as well as the influence he had on his peers.

Miller was born on Jan. 19, 1992 in Pennsylvania. He began focusing on his rap career in high school, according to iHeart Radio. After a few mix tapes, he released his first album called “Blue Slide Park.” The debut collection gained Billboard attention and went number one on the Billboard 200 immediately following the album’s release.

Miller went on to release more chart-topping albums including “The Divine Feminine” and “GO:OD AM.” The songs on these albums would have a profound impact on his core fans and hip-hop alike.

Iona senior Steven Bobbett, who is a huge fan of Miller’s work, spoke of his sorrow and shock surrounding the untimely death of Miller.

“It was hard to hear about it, not only because I was a big fan of him, [but] just because someone that young shouldn’t die,” Bobbett said.

Miller had been struggling with sobriety up until the time of his death, as he had a run in with police concerning a DUI in May, according to TMZ. Ariana Grande, his ex-girlfriend, said on social media in May that she had tried to help him with his sobriety but his demons were too powerful for one person to fix.

One of the reasons Miller’s death may feel different from other celebrity deaths is because of his age. Being only 26, he was around our age bracket as college students. He was so young and still had a lot of potential and possibility for growth in his career. He had just released his album, “Swimming,” which is truly one of his best albums and received glowing reviews from music critics.

Miller’s death also brings up the discussion of drug abuse and mental health in America. People who struggle with these problems do not always get the treatment they need because of the negative stigma attached to the disease and a lack of knowledge about how to get help. To try to avoid an untimely death like Miller’s, the public needs to know that there are professionals that can help them if they are going through drug abuse or mental health issues.

While Miller’s death is something that should be grieved, his death also teaches a lesson: life is not guaranteed. Thus, people shouldn’t take life for granted; instead, they should pursue their dreams and take advantage of the moment.

If you are struggling with drug addiction and would like professional help, please contact the Iona College Counseling Center, which provides free counseling to Iona students.