Coolio’s cause of death revealed

“Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper Coolio died last year due to the effects of fentanyl, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

>> Read more trending news

Coolio, whose real name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died in September at 59 years old. Few details were immediately available, although TMZ reported that he was found at a friend’s house. In a statement obtained by Rolling Stone, officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department said they tried to resuscitate him for about 45 minutes before he was declared dead.

On Thursday, Coolio’s manager Jarel (Jarez) Posey told Variety and TMZ that family members learned the rapper had died of fentanyl. A report from the medical examiner’s office showed Coolio also had traces of heroin and methamphetamines in his system. Long-time cigarette use and severe asthma also contributed to his death, Posey told TMZ.

‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ rapper Coolio dead at 59

His death has been ruled an accident.

Coolio launched his music career in the 1980s and saw success in the following decade, with hits including 1994′s “Fantastic Voyage” and 1996′s “1, 2, 3, 4 (Sumpin’ New).” In 1996, he won a Grammy Award for the song “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

He is survived by 10 children, according to The Los Angeles Times.

1 of 25