Holcomb had sleeping pills and alcohol in his system when he died, investigation concludes

American bobsleigh pilot Steven Holcomb had sleeping pills and alcohol in his system when he died, a coroner's investigation has confirmed.

The Olympic champion was found dead in his room at the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid on May 7, aged just 37.

USA Bobsled and Skeleton (USABS) has now released toxicology results carried out by the Essex County Coroner.

"The toxicology results indicate Holcomb had a fatal combination of the prescription sleep aid Eszopiclone/Zopiclone (Lunesta) in his system as well as a .18 per cent blood alcohol concentration," a statement from the governing body said.

Darrin Steele, the USABS chief executive, said the governing body was "still in shock".

"The sliding community is a tight-knit family, and we lost one of our brothers," he said.

"The outpouring of support from around the world has helped us begin the process of healing, but his absence will be felt for years to come."

A special memorial service to honour Holcomb took place at the Utah Olympic Park on Sunday (June 10).

His life was also celebrated at the Olympic Conference Center in Lake Placid in May.

"Steven's passing is a tragedy and we are devastated to lose him," the Holcomb family said in a statement passed to USABS.

Steven Holcomb was an Olympic champion bobsleigh pilot ©Getty Images

The statement added: "Steven was an amazing son and brother who was loved and cherished by his family, his friends, the bobsled community and all the communities he touched around the world.

"We hold our memories of him close and are so proud of him, not only as an athlete but also as a person.

"He endeavoured to be a role model to others, and to be a kind, considerate and loving man who will be dearly missed in this world.

"Anyone who knew Steven knew what a private person he was despite being a public figure.

"Our intentions were to continue to respect his privacy, even in death.

"We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from around the world."

Holcomb piloted the US four-man team to the Olympic title at Vancouver 2010, where he was joined by pushers Steve Mesler, Curtis Tomasevicz and Justin Olsen.

Together they were known as the "Night Train".

Holcomb also won two-man and four-man bronze medals at the Sochi 2014, as well as five World Championship gold medals.

He won six overall titles on the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup circuit, where he claimed 60 medals in all.