Reality TV star Heavy D - Colin Newell - passed away earlier this week at age 43, but now suspicions have begun to rise as to whether his death was a result of COVID 19.
Friends raised concerns that they hadn't seen Colin in days but later they discovered he had died. Now, a relative has revealed that an investigation is looking into the cause of his death.
"This is very early days and the cause of his death is a mystery at the moment," the relative said.
They went on to tell The Sun, "He was obviously a big guy so there's an investigation on whether it is linked to Covid."
Colin's agent, Sue Sheridan, mimicked the relative's sentiments, explaining that medics were indeed looking into the 43 year old's cause of death and, it is presumed, that a post mortem will take place soon.
She said, "Colin was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was a friendly guy who had time for everybody he will be missed by those who loved him.
"We ask the public to respect the privacy of the family at this time."
CHECK OUT: Celeb deaths 2020
Celeb deaths 2020 - slider
1 of 12Silvio Horta
Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta was found dead in January 2020, aged 45, by suspected suicide. Coroners confirmed cause of death was a "self inflicted gunshot wound".
2 of 12Christopher Beeny
Veteran British actor Christopher Beeny, best known for his roles in Last of the Summer Wine and Upstairs Downstairs, died "at home in his armchair" aged 78 in January.
3 of 12Bobbi Kristina Brown's ex-fiancé Nick Gordon
One time fiancé of troubled Bobby-Kristina Brown, Nick Gordon, died on New Year's Day 2020 after being rushed to hospital following "multiple heart attacks" during a suspected drugs overdose.
4 of 12Derek Acorah
Most Haunted's Derek Acorah, who once starred on Celebrity Big Brother, died in January aged 68 after contracting sepsis and falling into a coma.
5 of 12Kobe and Gianna Byrant
Kobe Byrant - basketball player for LA Lakers – and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a freak helicopter crash along with seven others in January. He was one of the most celebrated basketball players in the world.
6 of 12Kirk Douglas
Hollywood legend, Kirk Douglas dies aged of 103. His acting career spanned seven decades, but perhaps he is best know for his role in 1960 classic, Spartacus. He was father to Oscar winner, Michael Douglas.
7 of 12Caroline Flack
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack died aged 40 in February 2020 after sadly taking her own life. The former Strictly Come Dancing winner was engulfed in a media storm, after she was arrested and charged with alleged assault by beating her boyfriend Lewis Burton.
8 of 12Eddie Large
Comedy legend Eddie Large, best known as one half of Little and Large with Syd Little, sadly passed away aged 78 in March 2020 after contracting coronavirus in hospital. Little and Large formed in 1963 and won talent show Opportunity Knocks, going on to front a long-running BBC sketch show which attracted millions of viewers.
9 of 12Tim Brooke-Taylor
Comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor died at the age of 79 with coronavirus in April 2020. He best known as one third of the 1970s show The Goodies, and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
10 of 12June Bernicoff
Gogglebox star June Bernicoff died at the age of 82 in May 2020 following a short illness. Channel 4 paid tribute in a statement, which read, "'As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013, June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme's success. Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series."
11 of 12Little Richard
Rock'n'roll pioneer Little Richard died of bone cancer aged 87 in May 2020. Known for his hits Good Golly Miss Molly, Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally, the musician was credited as an influence by Elton John, Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
12 of 12Paula Tilbrook
Emmerdale star Paula Tilbrook - who played Betty Eagleton - sadly passed away aged 89. She starred on the show for 21 years.
Colin's death was announced when his friend Nick Nevern took to Twitter and wrote, "I’m very shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of my friend @HeavyHeavyd.
"U lived ur life the way u wanted to & f--k anyone who didn’t like it! U always brought a smile to my face bro & lifted any room you where in. #RIPHeavyD."
Colin himself was active on social media up until 14 November, when his accounts went quiet.
He was known as a TV personality on Storage Hunters, Celebrity Big Brother and Judge Rinder.
His catchphrase was "BOOM," and was used on his stint on Storage Hunters when he stole a bid.
In his 2018 appearance on Judge Rinder, Colin told viewers that, "Work had dried up.
"I came out of Big Brother. I thought there was going to be loads of work. My agent couldn’t get me any work and the work just dried up."
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His Celebrity Big Brother co-star, Stephen Bear, who won the 2016 series, took to social media to share a tribute to Colin, writing, "I’m gutted. The funniest and most genuine person you would ever meet .
"Always laughing and had such a kind heart . Always wanted to make sure everyone was ok and when you was down he would come over make sure you're ok.
"Had the pleasure to live with you but now I feel was there something I could of done 😔 It’s always the real ones that leave too early. Rip my brother. See you soon ❤️ @heavydboom 🐾.".
Our thoughts are with Colin's friends and family at this time.