Heavy D died of a pulmonary embolism: Coroner

By: Lauren Moraski
Topics: Music ,; Celebrity

Heavy D performs at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2011 on Oct. 1, 2011, in Atlanta, Ga.

(Credit: Getty)

(CBS) More information about Heavy D's death has surfaced. A new report reveals the rapper, who died on Nov. 8 2011 at the age of 44, suffered from a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in his lung caused by deep leg vein thrombosis, reports TMZ.

The hip-hop artist also had heart disease, another possible factor in his death, according to preliminary autopsy results.

Pictures: Heavy D's funeral and wake
Read more: Rapper Heavy D dead at 44
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Heavy D was in Europe promoting his new album this past fall. Just days before his death, he boarded a flight back to Los Angeles after performing at a Michael Jackson memorial concert in Wales. The flight could have been a contributing factor in his death. The blood clot was "most likely formed during an extended airplane ride," said Craig Harvey, chief of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office, reports the Los Angeles Times.

His death has been classified as "natural," according to the coroner's office.

Heavy D was on his way home from a shopping trip on Nov. 8 in L.A. when he had difficulty breathing and collapsed outside his home. The New York native, born Dwight Arrington Myers, died that same day at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 344 pounds at the time of his death.

A final autopsy report is due within two weeks.

Heavy D and the Boyz released their debut album "Living Large" in 1987. Their singles included "Now That We Found Love," "Who's the Man" and "Somebody For Me."

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Heavy D funeral and wake

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by blssme December 28, 2011 7:00 PM EST: Why am I not surprised the comments are so disgusting?; Reply to this comment


by musicstar65 December 28, 2011 8:22 AM EST: Oh yes and we all Know Amy Wine House Died a Natural Death give me a Break a Natural Death means he had no illegal drugs or Alcohol in his system at the time of his death and anyone can die of a pulmonary embolism at any age when blood dose not circulate it forms a clot as in a long Plane ride back from London England.; Reply to this comment


by longtree-2009 December 28, 2011 6:59 AM EST: 344 pounds, wonder how tall he was to carry that much weight. how can that be a natural death what with weighing that much and perhaps on a small frame?; Reply to this comment