Coolio struggled with substance abuse when he was alive, and an autopsy report obtained by Page Six reveals that he died of a fentanyl overdose.
The Associated Press also confirms through Coolio’s manager, Jarez Posey, that the rapper died of a fentanyl overdose.
His death was ruled accidental by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, which cited cardiomyopathy as a “significant condition.”
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, cardiomyopathy refers to a group of problems with the heart muscle that makes it harder to pump blood. It can lead to heart failure and heart attacks.
Best known for “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was battling a personal addiction to fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine. At least, that is what his autopsy report says.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used for pain relief, particularly in cases of severe pain, such as in cancer patients or after surgery.
Fentanyl is significantly more potent than other opioids, such as morphine or oxycodone, meaning that a tiny amount can have a powerful effect, making it more dangerous as it is more accessible to overdose on fentanyl accidentally.
Coolio’s addiction, coupled with his “severe asthma” and long-term cigarette smoking, led to his death on September 28, 2022, close friends suspect.
Coolio, 59, died at a friend’s home in Los Angeles.
The Compton rapper is survived by his seven adult children – Brandi, Jackie, Melan, Christopher, Artis III, Darius and Artisha – all honored their father with sentimental necklaces containing his ashes.
Coolio died without a will, leaving behind an estate of $300,000, which included all of his “personal property and checking accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies, and royalties.
Before his death, the rapper was working on a studio album, which Coolio’s estate plans to release later this year.
