Airplane Flight Linked to Heavy D's Death, Says Coroner

The 44-year-old rapper recently took a long flight across the Atlantic that may have contributed to a fatal blood clot, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

Dwight Arrington Myers, better known as rapper Heavy D, died of natural causes likely attributed to remaining seated on a long flight across the Atlantic Ocean, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said Tuesday.

Myers, 44, died Nov. 8 after collapsing in a walkway at his Beverly Hills apartment complex.

On Tuesday, the coroner's report attributed Myers' death to pulmonary embolism related to deep leg vein thrombosis, meaning a blood clot in his leg dislodged and traveled to his lung.

"Mr. Myers had recently returned from England to Los Angeles and we believe thrombosis was a result of his ride across the Atlantic," Chief Coroner Investigator Chief Craig Harvey said Tuesday.

"Mr. Myers weight and preexisting heart condition may have exacerbated the issue," Harvey said.

Harvey recommends that travelers move around a plane and often stretch their legs to avoid the condition.

"Moving about the cabin and being aware of thrombosis," Harvey said. "It's a subject that's been out there for several years now. It's a real condition that can affect people who spend a lot of time sitting in a position."

DVT is not limited to flying. Remaining stationary, such as in a car or at a desk, can also lead to deep vein thrombosis.

Heavy D rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with Heavy D & the Boyz. He was known for such hits as "Now That We Found Love," "Got Me Waiting" and "Nuttin' But Love."

Follow NBCLA for the latest LA news, events and entertainment: Twitter: @NBCLA // Facebook: NBCLA

Contact Us