Heavy D may have died from pneumonia complications

Rapper Heavy D, who was pronounced dead Tuesday at the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, may have collapsed and died from complications related to pneumonia, authorities said.

Heavy D had recently seen a private physician for a cough that may have been pneumonia, sources familiar with the case said.

Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said authorities were called to the 400 block of North Maple Drive about 11:25 a.m. after a report that a  man in his 40s was unconscious in a walkway near a building.

PHOTOS: Heavy D | 1967-2011

When they arrived, they found the man conscious and breathing and took him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Rosen did not identify Heavy D as the victim. But another law enforcement source confirmed it was the 44-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwight Arrington Myers.

A doctor was not present to sign the death certificate. Los Angeles County coroner’s officials said they would be handling the investigation into the cause and manner of the death.

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--Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Rapper Heavy D arrives at House of Hype and Antonio "L.A." Reid's post Grammy Party in 2009. Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images