The cause of rapper Coolio's death has been confirmed as a fentanyl overdose, with traces of heroin and methamphetamines also found in his system. Jarel "Jarez" Posey, the spokesperson for Coolio's family, shared this information with TMZ on Thursday, noting that the "Gangsta's Paradise" artist's severe asthma and long-term cigarette use likely contributed to his passing on September 28.
In the wake of the difficult news, Coolio's seven adult children – Brandi, Jackie, Melan, Christopher, Artis III, Darius, and Artisha – plan to commemorate their father's legacy through his music and specially-crafted jewelry.
A month after his death, the family revealed they had created necklaces with pendants containing Coolio's ashes, allowing each child to inscribe a personalized message and keep their father's memory close to their hearts.
Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died without a will, leaving his children to inherit his $300,000 estate, comprised of personal property, demand deposit accounts, financial accounts, insurance policies, and royalties.
Last year, the rapper was discovered unconscious on the bathroom floor of a friend's Los Angeles residence. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) performed CPR for 45 minutes, initially suspecting that he had experienced a cardiac arrest. Coolio was 59 years old at the time of his death.
The sudden loss shocked those close to him, including fellow musician Monte Jordan, who had seen Coolio just a week before his passing. In September, Jordan told Page Six, "We do concerts together, so yeah, it's heartbreaking."
He added, "I've been with him for weeks and for months now and I did not know — and still don't know — the circumstances behind his passing, but I did not see anything that would have given an indication that he was ill or that anything happened to him."
Reflecting on his friendship with Coolio, Jordan said, "That's my friend and I love him, and I haven't fully processed that."