Tyka Nelson, the younger sister of music legend Prince, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 64. Her cause of death, revealed through an official death certificate, highlights the health struggles she faced in her final months.
Tyka Nelson Cardiac Arrest and Heart Failure Confirmed
The Minnesota Department of Health listed cardiac arrest as the primary cause of death, with congestive heart failure as a contributing factor. Additionally, Tyka had suffered from non-ischemic cardiomyopathy for over four months, a condition that weakens the heart without blockages in the arteries.
Substance abuse, noted as a factor in her death, had further weakened her heart. According to her death certificate, she endured a cardiac arrest 45 minutes before being pronounced dead.
“Tyka had faced heart-related health issues for years, but the substance use disorder contributed significantly to her decline,” authorities stated.
Her cousin, Charles “Chazz” Smith, first announced her passing via social media, sharing, “Our family is very saddened to share the news of my cousin Tyka Evene Nelson who passed away this morning.”
Struggles and Legacy
In her final months, Tyka reportedly called emergency services several times due to worsening health, including GI bleeding and infections. She had also canceled a retirement concert in June, citing health concerns. Reflecting on her career, she once said, “I’m not really a singer—I’m a writer who happens to be able to sing. I enjoy it, though.”
Despite a challenging relationship with Prince, Tyka shared how he had supported her during a tough period in her life, helping her recover from addiction in 2008. “He put aside our differences and got me into rehab,” she revealed in a 2003 interview.
Tyka released four albums during her career, including Royal Blue (1988) and A Brand New Me (2008). She leaves behind six children and five grandchildren.
“I’m one heck of a grateful person,” Tyka once said. “Meeting people who loved my brother’s music feels like giving back to him.”
Her passing closes a poignant chapter for the Nelson family, leaving her memory intertwined with Prince’s enduring legacy.