What happened to DMX and how did he die?
RAPPER DMX suffered a heart attack following a drug overdose on Friday, April 2. The Harlem native was hospitalized for about a week but could not pull through, ultimately passing away on April 9. DMX's official cause of death was revealed as a cocaine-inducted heart attack that left his "brain dead," Vulture reported. A source from the Westchester County medical examiner's office told the outlet: "It was a cardiac arrest for a period of time, so there was no circulation to the brain." The source explained that it was acute cocaine intoxication that "caused this chain of events" that was traced in the artist's urine. An autopsy was not performed, according to the source, as DMX's cause of death had already been determined based on documentation by medical professionals and police. 5 DMX's official cause of death was revealed as a cocaine-inducted heart attack that left his 'brain dead'  The source added that someone called for emergency help at 10.03pm on the date of the rapper's death, and medical personnel arrived on the scene just six minutes later. They then tried to revive the rapper before rushing him to the hospital, where he arrived 30-to-40 minutes later, the source claimed. At the time of the incident, TMZ cited a source close to the rapper, saying the drug overdose had triggered a heart attack. It comes as the Ruff Riders Anthem hitmaker remained in hospital in a "vegetative state," while another source stated the musician had "some brain activity." At the time, a statement from his family confirmed that DMX, real name Earl Simmons, passed away in a critical care unit in a hospital in White Plains, New York. Family described him as a "warrior who fought till the very end," adding that he "loved his family with all of his heart." "Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. "Earls music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever," the statement read. The family then asked for privacy while they grieve the loss of "the man the world knew as DMX." The Ruff Ryder rapper struggled with drug addiction throughout his adult life - and has openly addressed the issues within his songs. In 2016, Page Six reported DMX stopped breathing and had no pulse after suffering a drug overdose in a Westchester, New York parking lot. Luckily, a medic on hand administered Narcan; an anti-opioid used to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose, according to police. The rapper became semiconscious and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment. 5 DMX was hailed as one of New York's most prolific rappers Credit: Reuters  And in 2018, he was jailed for one year for failing to pay tax on income earned from 2002 to 2005 and from 2010 to 2015. On top of the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $2.29million back to the US government. DMX was often hailed as one of New York's most prolific rap artists based on his raw and gritty lyrics.