Fresh Kid Ice of 2 Live Crew died of cirrhosis of the liver, as well as other causes, TMZ reports. The rapper, who passed away in a Miami, Florida hospital in July suffered from "acute respiratory failure and went into shock" before his death, according to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner. Other contributing factors to his death included Hepatitis C and a "history of alcohol." The rapper was 53 years old.
Fresh Kid Ice was the only 2 Live Crew member to appear on all the group's albums. He is also credited with being the first Miami bass rapper and discovering Flo Rida. He was known as a pioneer for Asian-American rappers.
At the time of his death, former Crew members shared words on their collaborator. “I just got the word that my long time friend and rap legend Fresh Kid Ice the Chinaman has passed away,” said Brother Marquis through Vibe. “I would like to say that I love him and extend my condolences to his family. He truly loved all of his fans. I’ll always remember and cherish all of the good times we had together and all of the history we made. I would like to express my true love for him.” Luther Campbell, better known as Uncle Luke, wrote on Twitter: "My condolence goes out to the family Chris Wong Won Fresh Kid Ice of the 2 Live Crew who just passed away people we lost a legend."
RIP Fresh Kid Ice.