Former Alice In Chains bassist Mike Starr pleaded for drugs shortly before his death earlier this week, it's been reported.

Starr, who was a founding member of the band before his departure in 1993, was found dead at a house in Salt Lake City. He was 44.

A cause of death has not been established, although police have said there was no sign of foul play involved.

In a recording of a voicemail obtained by TMZ, Starr, who had a history of drug abuse, is reportedly heard requesting drugs.

"If you could score me an eighth, quarter ounce, half ounce or bud or whatever," a man is heard saying. "I need it so bad.”

The identity of the caller has not been confirmed as Starr.

The bassist appeared on US reality show Celebrity Rehab last year to help combat his addiction.

(by Jason Gregory)