April 9, 2021

Rapper DMX Dead at 50 After Suffering Heart Attack

By Lillian Searles

DMX has died at age 50, at White Plains Hospital in New York.

 

The rapper and actor, born Earl Simmons, was hospitalized in grave condition on April 2 after the heart attack at his home around 11 p.m. Upon being admitted, DMX’s health was so critical that he was resuscitated and placed on life support.

 

The performer died five days later with his family by his side.

 

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” his family wrote in a statement.

 

“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

 

In an additional note, the hospital providing his care said, “White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.”  

 

TMZ reported that DMX had virtually no brain function after he was deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes following his OD. Brain function never returned, and by Thursday his organs began failing while he remained on life support in a New York hospital.

 

An autopsy will be conducted to determine DMX’s actual cause of death. 

 

The rapper’s lawyer Murray Richman would not confirm the reports that an overdose may have contributed to his heart attack.

 

Premature rumours about the rapper’s death were spread across social media since his hospitalization. As recently as Thursday night, DMX’s manager denied those rumours and asked people to stop spreading them out of respect for the rapper’s family.

 

DMX, aka Dark Man X, was a leading hip-hop performer who collaborated with such artists as JAY-Z, Ja Rule and LL Cool J.

 

The chart-topping artist’s songs included Party Up (Up in Here) and X Gon’ Give It To Ya.

 

He also acted on screen, appearing in such films as Cradle 2 the Grave, Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds.

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