Irene Cara’s cause of death has been revealed by a coroner, according to TMZ.
On February 2, the Pinellas County medical examiner disclosed that the acclaimed singer and songwriter died from a combination of complications from diabetes, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and heart disease. The Bronx-born Afro-Latina was 63 at the time of her death.
On November 25, she passed away in her Largo, Florida home, where she spent her latter years in seclusion.
Her long-time publicist, Judith Moose, revealed the tragic news on Twitter.
“This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans. – JM”
“It is with profound sadness that, on behalf of her family, I announce the passing of Irene Cara. The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home. Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available.”
This is the absolute worst part of being a publicist. I can’t believe I’ve had to write this, let alone release the news. Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven. She adored her fans. – JM pic.twitter.com/TsC5BwZ3fh
— Irene Cara (@Irene_Cara) November 26, 2022
The “Fame” singer left the entertainment industry after clashing with her record label.
Before her death, the award-winning actress and singer was attempting to make a comeback, but the pandemic put Irene’s aspirations on hold. The 63-year-singer was terrified of contracting COVID.
Irene’s manager, Betty McCormick, said, “She was very afraid of getting the [COVID] virus. She really struggled during that period.”
Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition “occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body (arteries) become thick and stiff — sometimes restricting blood flow to the organs and tissues.”
In 2022, Mount Sinai published a study indicating that Blacks were more likely to suffer from the ailment than other ethnic groups.
Heart disease and hypertension are also silent killers in the Black community, especially among Black women. In fact, 59% of Black women are affected by the disease.
