The cause behind Jo Mersa Marley's untimely death has been disclosed.
A member of the iconic reggae family, Marley - the son of musician Stephen Marley and grandson of the legendary Bob Marley - was found lifeless in a vehicle on December 26 at the age of 31.
As per the documents procured from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office via Rolling Stone, it's been established that Marley died of "acute asthma exacerbation," instigated by a rhinovirus or enterovirus infection.
The report indicated that Marley, who had a history of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, was not on his asthma medication at the time of his death.
The medical examiner's report went on to reveal Marley's history of smoking, noting he had "enlarged glottic tonsils" and observable black discoloration in his lungs.
A subsequent toxicology report unearthed the presence of THC — the psychoactive compound in marijuana — in Marley's system, along with naloxone and 0.08% of ethanol, Rolling Stone reported.
Explicating the cause of death, the medical examiner's report stated: "An acute asthma exacerbation due to viral illness is a common occurrence and considered a non-allergic event. Additionally, chronic smoking of combustible products such as tobacco or marijuana is dangerous in a person with asthma."
According to the same report, Marley had conversed with his mother on Christmas Day - just a day before his death - revealing his ill health, seemingly a consequence of his chronic asthma. The report mentioned no evidence of injury, but his lung displayed signs of congestion, hyperexpansion, and heightened mucus in its airway.
Having spent his early years in Jamaica before relocating to Miami, Marley followed in his father's and grandfather's renowned musical footsteps. He gained recognition for tracks like 'Burn It Down', 'Made It', and 'Rock and Swing'.
In a 2014 interview with the Jamaica Observer, Marley candidly expressed the challenges he faced living up to his famous surname. "My father has created a legacy by putting out songs with meaning. It’s something I have to live up to," he confessed.
However, in a subsequent chat with the entertainment site The Pier, Marley expressed gratitude for his heritage.
"There’s things that you have to overcome and things you just have to do and that’s how it is. We have to go through life you know? There’s no pressure for me,” he explained.
"I give thanks for being a Marley. I’m very appreciative and thankful that I am born where I am born and put where God has decided. I’m very thankful about it and proud."
