Rumors persisted for years that Degner committed suicide or that he was murdered by the East German secret police ( Stasi ) to avenge his defection .
Degner had become dependent on medication after his crash in Japan , and his death possibly occurred from an overdose .
Rumors persisted for years that Degner committed suicide or that Degner was murdered by the East German secret police ( Stasi ) to avenge Degner 's defection .
Degner had become dependent on medication after his crash in Japan , and his death possibly occurred from an overdose .