Sly Stone, an icon of funk music, has died at the age of 82 following a prolonged battle with COPD, a chronic lung condition that can block airflow and cause difficulty breathing.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone," a statement shared with USA TODAY on June 9 reads. "After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family."
The statement continued: "While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come."
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, describes an ongoing group of lung conditions that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is the result of damaged lung tissue, which leads to inflammation that irritates the airway and limits airflow. Because such damage usually worsens over time, "COPD mostly affects people who are 50 or older," Dr. Shawn Aaron, senior scientist of the inflammation and chronic disease program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in Canada, previously told USA TODAY.
