The unexpected passing of the rapper Coolio at the age of 59 has raised suspicions among his friends about the potential role his history of asthma may have played in his death.
Close associates of the Gangsta’s Paradise performer told TMZ that Coolio had been dealing with asthma issues over the years and was known to carry inhalers to help manage his breathing. Additionally, his relatives informed medical officials about his asthma history.
According to the American Heart Association, individuals with asthma are at a heightened risk of experiencing a heart attack. Moreover, those who use medication for asthma are reportedly 60 percent more susceptible to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac incidents.
Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., passed away at a friend’s residence in Los Angeles without an immediate cause of death being disclosed. According to his manager Jarez Posey, Coolio was found in a bathroom after apparently falling, and despite medical efforts to revive him, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy is currently being conducted to determine the official cause of his death, although authorities have ruled out the presence of drugs or foul play at the scene. Paramedics suspect Coolio may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
The rapper’s friend and colleague Montell Jordan expressed shock at Coolio’s untimely death, emphasizing their long history of association beyond their musical collaborations. Coolio had performed on the I Love the ’90s musical tour, where he delivered multiple sets lasting up to 40 minutes.
Coolio’s track, Gangsta’s Paradise, achieved substantial success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning him a Grammy award for best rap solo performance in 1996. He also was honored with a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance, two MTV Video Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award for the song/album.
