The untimely death of Marvin Gaye, a great soul singer and songwriter, has left a lasting impression on the music industry. His premature passing shocked both his followers and the music business. When Gaye was tragically murdered by his own father, Marvin Gay Sr., during a domestic disagreement on April 1, 1984, the world lost an icon.
This terrible incident sparked concerns about the complexities of family dynamics and personal challenges faced by even the most renowned musicians. It also tragically signaled the end of a wonderful musical career. We dive into the circumstances surrounding Marvin Gaye’s tragic cause of death in this investigation.
Marvin Gaye Cause of Death: What Happened to Him?
At their residence in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on April 1, 1984, Marvin Gaye was fatally shot by his father, Marvin Gay Sr.
After getting into a fight with his father and becoming involved in a fight between his parents, the singer was shot twice. When he arrived at the California Hospital Medical Center, he was already dead.
Over the years, numerous musical odes to him have been produced. He was given a grave in Forest Lawn Cemetery, and his ashes were eventually scattered around the Pacific Ocean after being cremated.
Who was Marvin Gay, Sr.?
Father of Marvin Gaye was a Pentecostal minister in the United States. In 1935, he wed Alberta Cooper, the love of his life. Alberta already had a son called Michael, but Gay took Michael to live with his sister-in-law after claiming he couldn’t parent another man’s son.
They had a daughter named Jeanne, a son named Marvin Jr., a boy named Frankie, and a daughter named Zeola. Following one of his extramarital affairs, Gay also had a child with another lady, who was given the name Antwaun Carey.
Gay’s four children described him as a demanding father. Gay allegedly forced his children to observe an extended Sabbath every Saturday. He disapproved of the Sunday church attendance custom common among Christians. Gay would quiz his kids on verses from the Bible and beat them if they gave the incorrect response.
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Why Did Marvin Gaye’s Father Shoot Him?
Marvin Gaye’s parents argued about a misplaced insurance policy letter in the days preceding his passing. Gaye’s bedroom had become the scene of a fight the day before he passed away. Gaye yelled at Marvin Sr. to leave his mother alone after hearing his father yell at her.
On April 1, 1984, at about 2:30 p.m., Marvin Sr. yelled at his wife about the document. Marvin yelled back downstairs in his bathrobe, telling his father to speak to him directly if he had anything to say.
Alberta claims that when Marvin Sr. refused, Gaye gave him a stern warning not to visit his room. Gaye jumped out of his bed when his father rushed upstairs to Alberta’s room to yell at her.
Gaye is alleged to have kicked and punched his father after telling him to leave the room failed to have the desired effect. Ritz subsequently heard Alberta say, “Marvin hit him. He ignored my cries for him to stop as I raged at him. He kicked my husband quite hard.”
After being separated for a few minutes, Marvin Sr. went into his bedroom, came back with the 38 pistol his son had given him, turned it on Gaye, and shot him in the heart.
Alberta claimed, “My husband came to the entrance of the bedroom with his pistol. I was standing about eight feet away from Marvin at the time. “My husband simply aimed the gun at Marvin without saying anything. I yelled, but it was brief. My husband fired, and Marvin yelled. I attempted to flee. After being hit by the opening shot, Marvin slid to the ground.”
