UPDATE: Sean Levert Died of Natural Causes

The coroner's report has just been released on the cause of R&B singer Sean Levert's death.

County Coroner Frank Miller said Levert died from complications of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in body's organs. The coroner said Levert also suffered from other conditions, including cardiovascular disease and withdrawal from alprazolam -- a drug used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

After Levert died, jail warden Kevin McDonough said he had been sick and guards were watching him because he had been acting strangely. When he started pounding on his cell door, guards strapped him in a restraint chair, McDonough said. Levert's breathing became shallow and he was taken to the hospital. (source)

The 39 year old son of legendary O'Jay member Eddie Levert and brother of the late Gerald Levert was serving a 22-month sentence for failure to pay child support. No comments have been made by the family concerning the coroner's report.

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The family of Sean Levert issued a statement on Monday afternoon:

"There are no words that can express what we are feeling today. There is no song that can capture the loss that we have in our hearts. But we are humbly overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of love, condolences and support from the many friends, fans and admirers of our son Sean. At this very difficult time, we thank you for your prayers and hope you will understand our need for privacy."

Levert died Sunday night at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland after collapsing in his jail cell. Warden Kevin McDonough said Levert had been sick and guards were watching him at the jail's regular cellblock because he had been acting strangely. He declined to be more specific about Levert's medical condition. Levert suffered from high blood pressure and had been hallucinating in jail, Caesar said. Toxicology reports could take four to six weeks, he said.

An autopsy was done Monday but no immediate cause of death was determined, according to Powell Caesar, a spokesman for the Cuyahoga County's coroner's office, but he said there was no evidence of foul play or trauma.

Here's a nice article about Sean in his hometown's paper.

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Another tragedy in the Levert family. R&B singer Sean Levert (his group's big hit in the 80's was the song "Casanova") died in jail last night at the age of 39. Sean is the son of Eddie Levert of the legendary O'Jays and brother of the late Gerald Levert who passed away in 2006 at the age of 40.

Sean was just a few days into serving a 22 month prison sentence for an $85,000 child support default. Early reports say that he died of natural causes. A jail official says a guard checked on Sean LeVert last night and noticed he was having difficulty breathing. Medical help was called, but could not save the singer. Jail officials say they were not aware of any pre-existing medical condition.

He leaves behind 3 children ages 17, 15, & 11. Condolences to Eddie Levert and the family.

Here's a video of a classic performance of Eddie, Sean, & Gerald together.