Entertainment
Paramedics ‘tried to revive Coolio for 45 minutes’ before he was declared dead-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro
The musician died on Wednesday.
Rapper Coolio died at the age of 59 (Picture: Redferns)
Paramedics spent nearly an hour trying to revive Coolio before confirming his death, it has been claimed.
The Gangsta’s Paradise star, real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr, died on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 59.
He was found lying on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house in LA, with emergency services called to the scene.
According to TMZ, EMT crews quickly responded and performed CPR for 45 minutes – but saw no signs of life.
They later pronounced him dead at the scene, but his cause of death has not been confirmed.
Coolio’s manager told the outlet that he traveled from Vegas so that he could sort an issue with his passport, before heading to Germany for a scheduled performance over the weekend.
Coolio’s death was confirmed by his manager on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)
Sheila Finegan, who represented the late musician at Trinity Artists International, later told PA: ‘We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon.
‘He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly.
‘Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing.
‘Please have Coolio’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.’
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed (Picture: WireImage)
Coolio’s career began in LA in the 1980s but it wasn’t until the release of his iconic track, Gansta’s Paradise, in 1995 that he shot to superstardom.
The song was included on the soundtrack of Michelle Pfeiffer flick Dangerous Minds and flew to the number one spot in the charts.
He was also known for hits including Fantastic Voyage and Rollin’ With My Homies.
In 2009, he famously took part in Celebrity Big Brother in the UK, alongside eventual winner and Terry Christian.
Tributes poured in for Coolio on social media, with Snoop Dogg leading the way.
‘Gangstas paradise. R. I. P. 🙏🏽🌹 🕊 ♿️🚾. @coolio,’ he wrote beside a photo of them together.
Ice Cube penned: ‘This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio [sic].’
‘Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist @coolio,’ Pfeiffer added on Instagram. ‘A life cut entirely too short.
‘As some of you may know I was lucky enough to work with him on Dangerous Minds in 1995. He won a Grammy for his brilliant song on the soundtrack – which I think was the reason our film saw so much success.
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‘I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song.
‘Sending love and light to his family. Rest in Power, Artis Leon Ivey Jr.’
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