DMX

DMX in ‘vegetative state’ after apparent overdose, children visiting him in ICU: Reports

Rapper DMX reportedly is in a vegetative state at a New York hospital after suffering a heart attack on Friday that was apparently caused by a drug overdose.

DMX’s former manager, Nakia Walker, spoke to The New York Times about the condition of the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons. Walker also said that family members have visited the 50-year-old rapper at a hospital in White Plains.

After initial reports indicated that DMX was off life support and breathing on his own, the rapper’s longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, told NBC that he remains on life support and is not breathing on his own. Additionally, Walker told Buzzfeed News that DMX is experiencing “lung and brain failure” and has no brain activity.

TMZ reported that DMX’s children have flown into New York to see their ailing father. Sources told the news outlet that they are only allowed to visit him one at a time due to COVID restrictions.

TMZ reported that DMX had 15 children in total, and it is unclear how many children are at the hospital with him.

TMZ also quoted sources saying the rapper’s heart attack was triggered by a drug overdose, as CrimeOnline previously reported, but neither Walker or Richman could confirm that.

DMX has been candid about his drug addiction over the years.

In 2013, DMX appeared on “Iyanla Fix My Life” and told Iyanla Vanzant about his ongoing struggles with marijuana, crack cocaine, and cocaine. Late last year, DMX appeared on the People’s Party With Talib Kweli  and revealed to Kweli that his substance abuse issues began at age 14 when his 30-year-old musical mentor gave him marijuana laced with crack without his knowledge. 

“I’ve never felt like this, it just f**ked me up,” DMX recalled. “Why would you do that to a child? He knew I looked up to him.”

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Featured image: DMX/AP Photo/Peter Kramer, File]