Heavy D Dead: Rapper on Exercise Kick Right Before Death
Despite rapper Heavy D being 344 pounds at the time of his death, he was reportedly putting extra effort into getting in shape and was very serious about his health in the days and months prior to his passing.
According to TMZ, Heavy ran nearly every day and was a member of several Los Angeles gyms. Heavy D lost 150 pounds in 2008 thanks to one of his trainers, known only as Tony. The trainer told TMZ that Heavy visited Ultra Body Fitness in West Hollywood three months before his death to re-strategize his training program.
Tony said Heavy was looking to get back in the work out groove after not being active for a while. Heavy began exercising more vigorously, running, hiking and even kickboxing as he spent time at a few different gyms.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Tony also told TMZ at Heavy's most intense, the rapper was training six to seven days a week.
Heavy D died yesterday at the age of 44 just one month after performing at Michael Jackson’s tribute show in Wales Oct. 8.
At the concert, Heavy D performed the Michael Jackson song "Jam" with La Toya Jackson, and "Alright," with Janet Jackson.
"This is very shocking and a tragic loss," La Toya said to TMZ. "I just performed with Heavy D at the Forever Michael tribute concert and he was a friend to Michael and a friend to me."
"We have lost a great person and terrific performer, my prayers and condolences go out to his family and fans,” La Toya added.
According to the L.A. coroner’s office, Heavy died of respiratory failure.
Law enforcement told TMZ that Heavy was shopping and then stopped at a banister to gather his breathe. His neighbor phoned emergency services.
Heavy D, also known as Dwight Arrington Myers, started rapping in 1986 with his group, Heavy D and the Boys.
His two biggest albums were Big Tyme in 1989 and Nuttin' But Love in 1994.
After his 1994 release, Heavy focused more on acting and production, appearing in several movies and television shows, as well as doing production work for a young Jay-Z.
Heavy D performed at the Hip-Hop awards in October making it his first live performance in 15 years.
