Stone’s family confirmed his death was due to complications from COPD, a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow, combined with unspecified 'other underlying health issues'. COPD, often linked to smoking or long-term exposure to irritants, causes symptoms like breathlessness and chronic cough, as per mayoclinic.org.

Sly and the Family Stone frontman Sly Stone has died, his family said in a statement Monday. He was 82. His family said Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other underlying health issues for years.