In his later years he became the subject of an investigation after being accused of a series of casting-couch rapes. He was indicted in 2009. On May 22, 2011, before he could be brought to trial, Brooks committed suicide in his Upper East Side, Manhattan home by placing a bag over his head with a hose from a helium tank connected to it. He was 73 years old. On May 23, 2011, the medical examiner ruled that Brooks had committed suicide, citing asphyxia by helium.