Rapper Heavy D Dead at 44; Fans React on Twitter to Tragic News (VIDEO)
Dwight Arrington Myers, otherwise known as the rapper Heavy D, died Tuesday morning after collapsing in his Beverly Hills, Calif., according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. Heavy D's cause of death has not yet been determined, but there was speculation that a heart attack might have been to blame.
Police were called to the rapper's home at 11:25 a.m., when he was discovered conscious but having difficulty breathing. Heavy D was then taken to a Los Angeles-area hospital but was declared dead a short time afterward, according to a press release issued by the police department.
According to the full press release (which misspells Myers's name):
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At approximately 11:25 a.m. Beverly Hills Police Officers were dispatched to the 400 Blk. of North Maple Drive regarding a report of an “unconscious person” laying on the walkway of a building.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male, 44 years old, conscious, communicative, but having difficulty breathing. Beverly Hills Fire Department paramedics arrived on scene and transported the subject to near-by Cedars Sinai Medical Center. The individual ultimately died at the hospital. The identity of the individual was later confirmed as Dwight Arrington Meyers, also known as "Heavy D."
Investigation by Beverly Hills detectives revealed that Mr. Meyers was returning home from shopping. He experienced difficulty breathing while walking into his condominium building. He was being assisted up to his apartment by building personnel when he collapsed in an exterior hallway.
There are no obvious signs of foul play, and at this time his death is believed to be medically related. The actual cause of death will be determined by the LA Co. Coroner’s Office. Next of kin have already been notified.
Additional information will be released as soon as it is available.
Although there has been no official word as to what may have caused the hefty rapper's death, TMZ reported that "people in the building [the hospital] are saying he died of a heart attack, but we have not been able to confirm that."
It was not immediately clear at what time Tuesday the Beverly Hills Police Department issued the notice of Heavy D's death, but media outlets did not start reporting on the tragic news until the late afternoon.
As word of Heavy D's passing spread, fans and fellow rappers reacted to the news on Twitter.
Andy Milonakis: "RIP Heavy D, Hope you start a rap group with Big L, Big Pun & B.I.G," noting other rappers who have died.
Barry Sanders: "Wow, it seems like everyday I hear news of someone passing away. RIP Heavy D and god bless to your friends & family. Sad, you were the #90s."
Wiz Khalifa: "RIP Bernie Mac RIP Heavy D Rip Michael Jackson RIP Joe Frazier RIP Biggie RIP 2pac RIP Left Eye RIP Aaliyah #RIP."
Lisa Raye: "RT @trevmurray: RIP Heavy D this is the last tweet he sent out to the world RT @heavyd: BE INSPIRED!"
Floyd Mayweather: "Another legend lost. RIP Heavy D. My condolences go out to his family."
Vivica A. Fox: "RT @MsVivicaFox: At work filming but I have 2 take a moment 2 say "RIP" HEAVY D we will miss u my brotha u will never be 4gotten Luv u much."
Wendy Williams: "RIP Heavy D.....love you like cooked food!"
Lauren London: "So sad to hear about the loss of Heavy D. I grew up on his music. He will be missed. #RIP Heavy D."
Diggy Simpson: "Wooow can't even believe that. RIP Heavy D and my condolences to his family. A true Hip Hop great."
Timbaland: "I'm at a lost for words rip heavy d."
The phrases "Now That We Found Love," the title of one of Heavy D's most popular songs, and "RIP Heavy D" were present on Twitter's Trend list of the most discussed topics.
Here is a video "Now That We Found Love" by Heavy D and The Boyz:
