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Fentanyl contributed to rapper Coolio's death

A Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed the late rapper Coolio, 59, had traces of multiple drugs in his system when he died.
Rapper Coolio
Posted at 6:48 PM, Apr 06, 2023
and last updated 2023-04-06 19:56:23-04

The late Grammy award-winning rapper, actor and producer Coolio had traces of multiple drugs in his system, including fentanyl, when he died, according to a Los Angeles County Coroner's report. 

Coolio died at 59 years old on Sept. 28, the coroner's report said. The rapper was found at a friend's home. The report said he went into his friend's restroom for an unknown period of time and did not come out. The friend discovered Coolio unresponsive and called emergency services. 

While his cause of death was not publicly known for months, the coroners report said in addition to multiple drugs, he had a history of asthma, prior drug use and other issues. 

A manager for Coolio, Sheila Finegan, told Scripps News she could confirm the report from the coroner detailing his death is true. Another representative for Coolio, Jarel Posey, confirmed to Scripps News and TMZ that drugs played a part in his death.

Finegan said, "Out of respect for his children I am not releasing any statements at this time."

Cardiomyopathy appears to have also played a role in his death.

Coolio, whose real name was Artis Ivey Jr., rocketed to fame after recording the song "Gangsta's Paradise" for the hit film "Dangerous Minds" in 1995.

His family planned to honor him with pendants that hold his ashes, worn on a necklace. Each child would be able to choose from customized inscriptions, Entertainment Tonight reported.