Fatman Scoop Cause of Death Revealed

A month after his shocking death following a collapse at a concert in Connecticut, that state’s medical examiner’s office has released the cause of death for beloved rapper/hype man Fatman Scoop. According to People magazine, the Connecticut Medical Examiner’s Office announced on Wednesday (Sept. 25) that Scoop (born Isaac Freeman III) died due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with a determination that his death was natural and no foul play was involved.

Freeman, 56, collapsed during a concert at the Town Center Park in Hamden, Conn., where he appeared to suffer a medical emergency. After medical personnel performed chest compressions on Freeman behind the DJ booth he was transferred to a local hospital; his family confirmed his death the following day. At press time a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office had not returned Billboard’s request for comment.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a combination of high blood pressure and the hardening of the arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body, which can be caused by high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking.

“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic Fatman Scoop,” read a message from his family following his death. “Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. Fatman Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Freeman’s peers, friends and family gathered near the Harlem projects where he was raised at the Apollo Theater on Sept. 12 for a celebration of life ceremony hosted by SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway, with Teddy Riley, Jim Jones, A$AP Ferg, Busta Rhymes, Kid Kapri, LL Cool J and Angie Martinez among those paying tribute.