Berkeley police are reportedly investigating the death of Zion I rapper Stephen “Zumbi” Gaines at the Alta Bates Hospital on Friday (August 13). According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Zumbi allegedly got into a physical altercation while hospitalized as he recovered from COVID-19.
Lt. Melanie Turner said police responded to calls at 5:16 a.m. local time from patients and staff at the hospital about a patient involved in a physical altercation with nurses and security officers, who reportedly had him pinned down on the ground.
Turner said upon arrival “officers started handcuffing the involved person and determined that he needed immediate medical assistance.” Police began lifesaving measures until Alta Bates staff were able to assist, but “unfortunately and sadly he was pronounced deceased on the scene.”
But DJ True Justice said the idea of Zumbi being involved in some kind of physical altercation sounded out of character for the peace-loving MC. He was only seemingly on the mend in the days before his death.
“Steve was not a violent person; he never sought violence; he never condoned violence,” he told the publication. “However, I know as a person, I know Steve is very firm in his beliefs.”
True Justice initially said Zumbi was recovering from COVID-19 but suffered a massive asthma attack at the hospital and wasn’t able to recover. Although Zumbi respected the mask mandate, he didn’t “subscribe to mainstream media, specifically in regard to the current global pandemic” and “wasn’t an advocate of being vaccinated.”
Bay Area Legend Zumbi Of Zion I Has Passed Away - Hip Hop Pays Tribute
True Justice also confirmed Zumbi and at least 30 other people had contracted the virus at his last performance on July 24 in the Sierra foothills town of Nevada City.
The Gaines family released a statement to the The Chronicle following the latest development and wrote, “We are in a deep state of grief and processing this loss. We are awaiting further details from the hospital at this time so we can understand exactly what happened and determine our next steps.”
Alameda County Coroner’s Office said Zumbi’s death is currently under investigation by Berkeley police. In the meantime, a GoFundMe campaign in his name has been established to support his three young boys. Donate here.
“Zumbi din du nufin he a gud boi. it was dem ray ciss ass wypipo who done keel him”
Well that was uncalled for
So you mean to tell me that you come here just to troll huh you lil wite f*ggot. I hate you trolls and I hope you die. I hope your mother dies. I h*te you. So damn tired of you trolls. One of you are going to get your head blew off. I hope that you are crucified . Troll. And if you’re black acting racist perhaps you need to be lynched….if you’re any other rqce I hope your loved one vacate this earth in pain. Troll that .
Hey troll …..you’re going to die really soon and you will get karma.
This wasn’t us in unison. Give credit where its due. That $#!t was produced by your diseased mind.
RIP to Zumbi.
If you aren’t gonna get vaxxed, and choose not to wear a mask, you will most likely get sick, and could possibly die. That’s all.
Rest in Power beautiful Zumbi. So much gratitude for the gifts of your legacy and the mind opening ass shaking flow of your lyrical genius. Zion I on repeat forever.
This could all have been avoided if DJ True Justice didn’t book another janky show during the pandemic. People dying and underground hip hop is full of junkies doing drugs.
Sounds like an ignorant take if ive ever heard one. Everyone made the choice to attend, including the artists.
Another janky show? Who the fuck are you and when was the last time you went to ANY show where I was at? I’ll wait. And your last sentence means what exactly?
Yo True I’m sorrry for your loss. I feel like Zion was family what a tragedy
damn man, this is crazy. i used to listen to zion i alot. i still have their albums mind over matter and true & livin. rest in peace to zumbi.
DJ True Justice should be arrested for throwing that show which most likely had a bunch of fools smoking weed which was sure to get 30 people the corona virus. Also, the artists should have been required to be vaccinated before performing and interacting with fans. Can fools stop doing shows and dropping albums until things are under control? Nobody cares you’ve been doing art and want to show off your latest rhyme. Sit your ass at home and read a book.
It’s not about the artist. It’s the person who came to the show with Covid. As for the Dj he shouldn’t be arrested because everyone including the artists made the conscious decision to attend the event
First of all you FUCKING IDIOT, I did not throw that show and secondly speaking on what you absolutely DO NOT KNOW about makes you a FUCKING IDIOT.
You FUCKIN TELL EM The thing that’s Janky is CNN
ONE VIRUS TO RULE THEM ALL
everyone should be watching
THE HIGHWIRE with Del Bigtree
you gotta that was pretty irresponsible… just sayin… not the smartest move… just sayin..
I hope covid kills all you antivaxxers
I hope u fucking die too bitch
crazy part “allegedly got into a physical altercation” pinned to the ground” why? something doesn’t add up