An investigation is being sought by the family of Zumbi, or Stephen Gaines, who hired lawyers to look into the death of the Bay Area rapper at a Berkeley hospital on Friday.
On Wednesday, Zumbi’s publicist released a statement that they will be investigating the “suspicious” death of the rapper, who left behind three sons.
“Initially reported as COVID-related, it’s come to light that the cause of death is not yet known and that legal counsel is necessary to ensure that all the facts are ascertained,” part of the statement reads.
Included in the lawyers hired by the family on the case were Elizabeth Grossman and Lyn Agre.
“We believe there are witnesses who know firsthand the facts leading to Stephen’s death,” Grossman said in the statement.
According to the statement, the rapper’s family appreciated “the outpouring of love and support from fans and loved ones” and appealed for patience “as they seek the truth.”
Zumbi’s life partner asked his fans to hold the rapper’s take on life and “breathe and be still as we gather the necessary facts surrounding Steve’s departure.”
The rapper died at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center due to still undetermined causes.
The circumstances around his death are being investigated by the Berkeley police who responded to an early morning call from Alta Bates hospital. The report was about a physical struggle that occurred between a patient and the hospital workers including nurses and security personnel.
According to Lt. Melanie Turner, the security personnel of the hospital was reported to have forced the patient down.
Turner said that “officers started handcuffing the involved person and determined that he needed immediate medical assistance,” upon arrival.
Lifesaving efforts were done by the police. Turner said it was taken over by the Alta Bates staff but “unfortunately and sadly he was pronounced deceased on the scene.”
The police furthered that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office was informed and the initial probe revealed that no force was used by the police, San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Sutter Health, which operates Alta Bates, said it cannot comment on the incident “due to our compliance with state and federal privacy laws,” its spokesperson said.
