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DJ and producer i_o’s cause of death revealed after EDM star died aged 30

i_o DJing on stage.
i_o died in November aged 30

The cause of death of DJ i_o has been revealed, after the EDM producer died suddenly in November aged 30.

According to the coroner’s report, i_o – real name Garrett Lockhart – died from natural causes related to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

The condition is an autoimmune disorder that often involves chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland.

The report from the Los Angeles Country Medical Examiner also noted the producer died at his home.

Following the results, which came after five months of testing, Lockhart’s family explained that he suffered a ‘sudden and fatal arrhythmia’, which, while rare in young men, if left undiagnosed can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, consequences.

A statement posted to i_o’s official Twitter account read: ‘After five months of testing, the conclusion is that, while Garrett did suffer from depression and anxiety, he did not take his own life.

‘It is our hope that Garrett’s premature death can be used to create and normalise conversations surrounding mental health issues, realising there may be underlying disease of conditions requiring medical attention.’

His family added: ‘Though this report offers us answers to the questions of why, we remain without our friend, our brother and our son.

‘Many of you have mentioned Garrett’s friendship in a time of personal crisis. Honor his memory by being that person to someone else, taking gentle care of yourselves and each other. [sic]’

i_o performs at Electric Zoo Festival.
He had found success in the EDM world (Picture: Zachary Mazur/FilmMagic)

Lockhart’s death on November 23 left friends and family reeling as they remembered the producer as someone who ‘led with love’.

A statement read: ‘On Monday, November 23rd, the world lost a beautiful soul, Garrett Falls Lockhart, also known as i_o.

‘This extremely talented spirit taught us that even if nothing matters, you can still lead with love.

‘Garrett’s truth and soul lives on through the music he shared.

‘Rest in peace Garrett. We love you.’

In the star’s short but illustrious career, he collaborated with some of the giants of the genre, including deadmau5 and Grimes, and released three EPs.

His final single, Castles In The Sky, was released just three days before his death.

Lockhart released music through Deadmau5’s Mau5trap label, before signing to dance music label Armada Music shortly before he died.

Paying tribute on Twitter at the time of Lockhart’s death, Deadmau5 wrote: ‘Going to miss you my dude, it was a real pleasure working with you and watching you succeed… may you find rest, and let your music live on into eternity.’



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