Bernie Madoff died in April 2021 at the age of 82. According to The Associated Press, he died at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina. Madoff had been dealing with multiple health issues, particularly end-stage renal disease, and his lawyers even asked for a release from prison due to the health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was denied.

Reports later surfaced that Madoff’s final weeks were filled with pain, misery, and even hallucinations. According to Market Watch, Madoff spent most of his final year in a wheelchair and with an oxygen tank, due to both his renal failure and cardiac issues. The renal failure also necessitated the amputation of his toe and dialysis treatments three times each week.

Overall, Madoff was in so much pain that he was prescribed low doses of methadone, even though he himself claimed that the drug made him feel “crazy.” Starting on April 6, 2021, Madoff reportedly began screaming uncontrollably, marking the start of a more serious deterioration. “Help! I hate this f***ing place!” he allegedly kept screaming. 

When nurses asked what was wrong, he replied with nonsensical answers. His agitation and mental confusion lasted for six more days until he fell out of his bed and was given a morphine drip. He died 48 hours later, with his emergency contact unable — or unwilling — to be reached. Madoff was cremated, and it is unknown whether he had a funeral, per TMZ.