Coolio’s cause of death revealed

Rapper Coolio passed away on September 28 at the age of 59, and a family spokesperson has now revealed what led to his death.

What caused Coolio’s death?

The rapper, known for his hit 1995 song ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’, passed away due to fentanyl, family spokesperson, Jarel (Jarez) Posey, confirmed to TMZ.

He also noted that the family was informed he had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system at the time, and that asthma and cigarette use were also factors as well.

The father of six passed away at a Los Angeles residence on September 28. TMZ reported that he was found at a friend’s house, and that the cause of death wasn’t immediately known at the time.

“We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon. He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly,” Sheila Finegan, his manager at Trinity Artists International, said at the time.

“Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

Coolio’s career

Coolio was born in Los Angeles and began his music career in the late 1980s.

His first breakout single was ‘Fantastic Voyage from his 1994 debut album ‘It Takes a Thief’, but it was his 1995 hit ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ that made him an international superstar.

The song earned him global recognition, while the music video was on heavy rotation on MTV, and it won the rapper a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Coolio later released ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ the album, with the song as its lead track.

Along with music, Coolio also made his mark on reality TV. He starred in his own series, ‘Coolio’s Rules’, in 2008, and was a housemate on Season 6 of ‘Celebrity Big Brother UK’.

He would later return for ‘Ultimate Big Brother’. He also competed on the Food Network series ‘Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off’ in 2012, and later on ‘Wife Swap’.

Coolio also appeared in series like ‘The Nanny’ and ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’.