Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers on May 24, 1967, was one of the most influential rappers of the ’90s and news of his sudden death has touched many hip-hop fans to the core.
Details about Heavy D‘s unexpected death PLUS his final message…
He was only 44 years old.
TMZ revealed that a 911 call was placed from Heavy’s Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway.
Heavy D was reportedly conscious and speaking when paramedics arrived and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died a short time later.
No word yet on a specific cause of death, but authorities do not suspect foul play.
The rap icon recently released a new album called “Love Opus” (Available HERE on iTunes), which he promoted heavily on Twitter and his performance on BET’s hip-hop awards gained him a younger generation of fans.
VIDEO: Heavy D. BET Hip Hop Awards
D’s poignant final message, sent just hours before he passed? “Be inspired!”
View recent photos of Heavy D from Tip’s Welcome Home Brunch held during hip-hop awards weekend HERE.
VIDEO: Now That We Found Love ~ Heavy D ft. Aaron Hall
VIDEO: Nuttin But Love ~ Heavy D (Chris Tucker Cameo)
Update #1 (11/8/11 ~ 7:45pm) ~ According to TMZ, Heavy D had just returned from shopping and walked up some stairs when he began having trouble breathing.? He was spotted by designer Adam Mills, who found him leaning against a railing, clearly in distress.
Mills says he cradled Heavy D in his lap as others called 911 and that D was conscious and said to him, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.”
When paramedics took Heavy D to the hospital he had a pulse.? Although the cause of death is till unconfirmed, many people in the building suspect that Heavy D died of a heart attack. Law enforcement officials say no foul play was involved and so far they are listing the cause of death as “medical.”