Eddie Levert, legendary singer and lead singer of the O’Jays, is known for his immense contribution to the music industry. However, over the years his family has endured many personal tragedies, including the untimely deaths of his sons Gerald and Sean Levert and most recently his daughter Ryan Levert.

Gerald Levert, Eddie’s eldest son, was an R&B singer and songwriter who achieved great success in the music industry.

As a solo artist and performer with the group LeVert, Gerald rose to fame with hits such as “ Casanova And Baby, hold me tighta duet with his father. Gerald tragically passed away on November 10, 2006 at the age of 40.

Acute poisoning caused by a combination of prescription drugs and medications led to his death. Gerald took narcotic painkillers such as Vicodin, Percocet and Darvocet for chronic pain billboard.

Two years after Gerald’s death, Eddie Levert received more devastating news when his youngest son, Sean Levert, died on March 30, 2008 at the age of 39.

Sean was incarcerated in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, for unpaid child support. During his time in prison, Sean was unable to take his prescribed anti-anxiety medication, Xanax.

As a result, he reportedly suffered from extreme withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations and even difficulty breathing. His condition continued to deteriorate. He was taken to Lutheran Hospital, where he died. CBS News reported.

The Levert family’s tragic journey continued recently when Eddie Levert’s daughter Ryan Levert died at the age of 22.

An article by WBLS stated that Ryan died as a result of lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue.

Looking back on the legacy of Eddie Levert

Eddie Levert, born June 16, 1942 in Bessemer, Alabama, is a well-known singer and member of the legendary R&B group The O’Jays. Levert initially performed as a gospel duo with Walter Williams, a childhood friend.

Inspired by Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers, they formed a group called The Triumphs with Bobby Massey, William Powell and Billy Isles.

The group has achieved a lot over the years. The single back knife reached number one on the R&B charts and climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The group’s biggest hit came in 1973 with the Love trainwhich peaked at number one on both the Hot 100 and R&B charts.

The O’Jays have received many awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.