Family: DMX dies at White Plains Hospital following heart attack

Rapper DMX has died after being on life support for over a week, according to family members and White Plains Hospital.

News 12 Staff

Apr 9, 2021, 9:57 AM

Updated 1,332 days ago

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Rapper DMX has died after being on life support for over a week, according to family members and White Plains Hospital.
In a joint statement, his family said in part, "We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. 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. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever."
Officials at the hospital said, "White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest."  
Simmons suffered a heart attack in his home last Friday night and was brought to White Plains Hospital. Doctors conducted brain function tests on the 50-year-old this week.
DMX’s manager Craig Brodhead tells News 12 that his focus is on the rapper’s family.
“Right now, we are just focused on his children right now,” Brodhead says. “That’s where my mind is right now. That will keep me from focusing on myself and my own selfishness cause I still want him here. He was a great man. He was a warrior, but it was his time. He’s tired. He’s been through a lot.”
Fans and friends have been stopping by the hospital all week leaving candles, flowers and messages.
A prayer vigil was held Thursday outside his Yonkers childhood home on School Street, where people prayed and listened to his music.
Fans also came together for a memorial in White Plains. They say they were hoping the rap legend who was born in Mount Vernon and grew up in Yonkers would be able to pull through.
“He raised me,” one person said. “I grew up on his music, his pain.”
DMX’s manager told News 12 that the album the rapper had been working on is finished and will be coming out this summer.
News 12 is told it features collaborations from Bono, Usher and Alicia Keys.
DMX's family says information about his memorial service will be announced once details are finalized.
There is still no word on what caused the heart attack.
Some local leaders have expressed their sympathies. Rep. Jamaal Bowman sent tweeted condolences to DMX's family and commented on the impact of DMX's music. Rep. Mondaire Jones called him a cultural icon. State Sen. Jamaal Bailey called DMX "hip-hop royalty" and said hip-hop is "better for his contributions."