Jamal Edwards: Mum Brenda warns against drug use after music mogul's sudden death at 31

The inquest heard that Jamal died on February 20 after having a cardiac arrest at his mother’s address in Acton.
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Jamal Edwards’ mum Brenda has given an urgent warning against casual drug use, after it was revealed her son died aged just 31 from cardiac arrhythmia after taking recreational drugs.

The 53-year-old singer and Loose Women presenter made the announcement on social media, after an inquest into the music mogul’s death was held at West London Coroner’s Court.

Jamal Edwards has been announced as the first person to receive posthumously the Music Industry Trusts (MITS) Award in recognition of his contribution to the sector.Jamal Edwards has been announced as the first person to receive posthumously the Music Industry Trusts (MITS) Award in recognition of his contribution to the sector.
Jamal Edwards has been announced as the first person to receive posthumously the Music Industry Trusts (MITS) Award in recognition of his contribution to the sector.
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"I have sadly learned that the cause of Jamal’s devastating passing was due to cardiac arrhythmia," she wrote in a statement.

"[This was] caused by having taken recreational drugs and I wanted to address this myself to everyone who loved, admired and respected my son.

"Since finding out the news I’ve been in a state of shock, and I am still trying to process it.

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"But it’s so important to me that I address it as no mother or any loved one should have to go through what Jamal’s sister, Tanisha, and I have been through since he passed."

She said: "We have been so incredibly touched by the outpouring of love and support, and you are all helping us try and get through the unimaginable."

Brenda described her son as having had the "world at his fingertips - a zest for life and he was unwittingly taken away far too soon".

"Yet we have to come to terms with what has happened, and Jamal is proof that this can happen to anyone," she continued.

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"These types of substances are extremely unpredictable, and we can only hope that this will encourage others to think wisely when faced with similar situations in the future. His passing has shown that any one bad decision on any one occasion can lead to devastating consequences.

"It’s so important that we help drive more conversation about the unpredictability of recreational drugs and the impact that they can have - how it takes just one bad reaction to destroy lives."

Jamal Edwards appeared on Loose Women alongside his mother, Brenda, before his death (Photo: ITV)Jamal Edwards appeared on Loose Women alongside his mother, Brenda, before his death (Photo: ITV)
Jamal Edwards appeared on Loose Women alongside his mother, Brenda, before his death (Photo: ITV)

The inquest heard that Jamal died on February 20 after having a cardiac arrest at his mother’s address in Acton.

Assistant coroner Catherine Wood said: "He came home late one evening, after which he became increasingly agitated and suffered a cardiac arrest.

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"He was deteriorating despite treatment and died on February 20 of this year.

“A post-mortem has been undertaken and I have reason to suspect that the death was an unnatural death."

The inquest was adjourned to be resumed in eight weeks’ time.