Not sure if this one deserves entrance into the tri-fecta condo, but it is another young artist to go... which seems to be a common theme lately.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) -- Singer Sean Levert, a third of the 1980s R&B trio LeVert and son of lead O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has died after falling ill while serving a jail term. He was 39.
Authorities said Monday an autopsy was inconclusive but foul play was ruled out.
Levert, 39, was sent to the Cuyahoga County jail last week for failing to pay child support. He died at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, late Sunday, less than an hour after he was taken there from the jail, said coroner Frank Miller.
His brother, Gerald Levert, who had success as a solo artist after leaving their trio, died in 2006 at age 40 of an accidental mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
The brothers had formed LeVert in the 1980s with childhood friend Marc Gordon. Their hits included "Baby I'm Ready," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova."
"Casanova" was nominated for a Grammy in 1988 for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal. It was also nominated for best R&B song.
At Gerald Levert's funeral in November 2006, Sean Levert and his father performed "Dance With My Father" and personalized the words for Gerald. The elder Levert's group, the O'Jays, was known for such hits as "Back Stabbers" and "Love Train."
Sean Levert found a new third partner last year and was trying to revive LeVert.
Levert suffered from high blood pressure and had been hallucinating in jail, said Powell Caesar, a spokesman for the Cuyahoga County coroner's office. Toxicology reports could take four to six weeks, he said.
Warden Kevin McDonough said earlier that Levert had been sick and guards were watching him at the jail's regular cellblock because he had been acting strangely.
Sean Levert pleaded guilty last week to six counts of nonsupport involving children ages 11, 15 and 17.
This is really sad. I heard about this on the radio. He's dad is part of the musically group the O'Jays...he lost one son two years ago, and now he loses another one. Really sad.
The saddest thing is that a formerly well-known entertainer was apparently struggling to survive financially, so much that his kids and his health must have suffered. I'd imagine if he could have afforded to pay the child support he would have, rather than going to jail. I'm not so sure that kind of punishment is always called for in such cases.
But I don't know their business so I'm only speculating.
No J7, you don't know the half of it. None of us really will.
Keep an eye on the autopsy, though. Gerald battled drugs the last years of his life, as did Sean.
Micrówave wrote: No J7, you don't know the half of it. None of us really will.
Keep an eye on the autopsy, though. Gerald battled drugs the last years of his life, as did Sean.
Yeah, I Knew that Gerald battled with drug use, but I didn't know that Sean did either. I saw Gerald in concert in 2004 here in Milwaukee. I just feel sorry for their father, losing two sons. This has to be beyond heartbreaking!