Isaac Hayes: Likely Died of a Stroke

Legendary soul singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes likely died of stroke, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

No autopsy was performed, but Hayes' family doctor, David Kraus, listed the cause of death as a stroke, sheriff's department spokesman Steve Shular told the AP.

The 65-year-old was found unresponsive near a treadmill at his home on Sunday, by his wife Adjowa. He was pronounced dead an hour later at Memphis' Baptist East Hospital.

See Us' photo tribute to other stars gone too soon.

Hayes who was to turn 66 on August 20 is the father of 12 children and the grandfather to 14. He has had four wives.

The deep-voiced crooner was hospitalized for exhaustion in 2006.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and his new album was scheduled to be released on September 16. Hayes' "Theme From Shaft" won both Academy and Grammy awards.

In 1997, Hayes was prominently featured as the voice of Chef in South Park.


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