Autopsy Scheduled For R&B Legend Keyshia Cole's Mother Frankie Lons Following Lethal Overdose On 61st Birthday
Following the tragic death of R&B legend Keyshia Cole’s mom, Francine “Frankie” Lons, due to a reported overdose, sources are reporting that an autopsy to determine her cause of death has been scheduled.
Representatives from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office told Radar that an autopsy “will be done in the next couple of days,” and her cause of death will determined within the “next two weeks.”
As OK! previously reported, the struggling drug addict died on her 61st birthday on Sunday, July 18. During the celebration, she allegedly took drugs during a party, which marked a relapse in her journey to sobriety.
Cole’s brother, Sam, claimed he was checking in on Frankie daily to make sure she was staying clean. In light of his mom's sudden death, Sam reportedly emphasized that he wanted Lons to be remembered as someone who loved her children, despite her struggles with addiction.
The “Let It Go” songstress’ sister, Elite Noel, also announced their mom's tragic passing via her Instagram Story. “Worse [sic] pain ever,” Elite wrote on Monday. “To see my mama in a body bag on her birthday! My heart so fu***n’ broke."
Lons and Virgil Hunter gave Cole up for adoption shortly after she was born. The two were reunited after the singer became an adult. Fans got to know Lons on the hit reality series Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, which ran on BET from 2006-2008. She starred in her own spinoff series, Frankie & Neffe, in 2009.
BET released a statement after her sudden death. “We were saddened to hear the news of our BET family Frankie Lons’ passing,” the statement began. “Viewers also go to see first-hand Frankie’s trials and tribulations as she battled addiction and as she tried to mend her relationship with her daughters. Frankie was a resilient woman, mom, and friend with so much to offer and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Keyshia, Neffe, and the family during this difficult time.”
