The cause of death for Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister, has been confirmed. She passed away at 64 on November 4 due to cardiac arrest, with congestive heart failure listed as a secondary cause, according to a death certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health.
TMZ reports that her heart was weakened by substance abuse, and she experienced cardiac arrest approximately 45 minutes before being declared dead. Tyka also had nonischemic cardiomyopathy, which affects heart function.
Her son, President Nelson, informed the Minnesota Star Tribune of her death on November 5, though he didn’t provide additional details. Tyka’s half-sister, Sharon Nelson, described her as a strong-willed person who is now “in a better place.”
Like Prince, Tyka was a talented musician and released four albums between 1988 and 2011. She had planned to retire from music in June, with a final concert in Minneapolis, but her illness prevented her from performing. Tyka had said before the concert that she considered herself more of a writer than a singer, though she enjoyed singing.
In June, Tyka shared that she had spoken to Prince four days before his death. Despite her efforts to connect with him, he often avoided serious conversations and would change the subject.
Tyka and Prince had five half-siblings, including Sharon, Norrine, John (who passed away in 2021), Alfred (who died in 2019), and Omarr Baker.
