Medical Examiner Says John Forté Died From Influenza A Complications

Overview

• Massachusetts officials said the state medical examiner determined Forté’s cause of death as complications from Influenza A, with a recent seizure history listed as a contributing factor.
• The Grammy-nominated artist died at his Chilmark home in January at age 50, and the official finding ends months of uncertainty for family, friends, and fans.
• Authorities conveyed the determination through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, providing an authoritative account after an earlier statement that no foul play was suspected.
• A March memorial at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Hall featured tributes from Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Carly Simon, and other close collaborators.
• Forté, known for co-writing and producing on The Fugees’ 1996 album The Score, built a life on the Island with his wife, Lara Fuller, and their children, Wren and Haile.