Levert's death ruled drug-related, accidental

R&B singer Gerald Levert death last fall was accidental, and caused by a combination of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, an Ohio coroner has determined.

Levert, who died Nov. 10 in his suburban Cleveland home, was found to have a variety of drugs in his bloodstream, including the narcotic pain relievers Vicodin, Percocet and Darvocet, along with the anxiety medication Xanax and two over-the-counter antihistamines, Geauga County Coroner Kevin Chartrand said in a press statement.

The official cause of death is being listed as "acute intoxication," and the death will be ruled accidental.

"Gerald had several health issues including a severed Achilles tendon and lingering shoulder pain, among other things, that required him to take prescribed pain medications," said a statement issued by Levert's family in response to the coroner's finding. "We had no idea that this would be the cause of his death. Unfortunately, we can’t turn back the hands of time, for if we could, he may still be with us today. We accept what has been reported and thank all of Gerald’s family, friends and fans for their continual outpouring of love for our loss."

Levert first rose to fame in the mid-'80s as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, whose lineup included his brother, Sean Levert, and friend Marc Gordon. Among the group's hits were "Casanova," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Baby I'm Ready."

In 1991, Levert issued his solo debut, "Private Line," which spawned the hit "Baby Hold on to Me," a duet that paired the singer with his father.

In the late '90s, Levert joined forces with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill. Billed as LSG, the trio dished the hit "My Body."

In addition to his work as a singer, Gerald Levert was also a songwriter and producer who had worked with the O'Jays, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Troop, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti Labelle and others.

A new Levert album titled "In My Songs," which the singer completed shortly before his death, will hit stores Tuesday (2/13).

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