Rick Ross Hospitalized After Being Found Unresponsive

Miami rapper Rick Ross was hospitalized early Thursday morning after being found unresponsive at his Florida home, as TMZ first reported, with the Davie Police Department confirming the medical crisis to Billboard on Friday.

TMZ is now reporting that Ross is being treated in the cardiac unit of a Miami-area hospital, where the rapper “has been hooked up to a machine that’s taking over the function of his heart and lungs,” which the report explains is “essentially a form of life support, and a clear sign of how dire Rick’s situation is right now.” Ross is said to be connected to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which pumps and oxygenates blood outside of the body so the heart and lungs can rest, indicating that the rapper may have suffered a heart attack.

Prior to Ross’ initial hospitalization, a 911 caller reported that Ross was unresponsive and “slobbing at the mouth,” also noting his history of seizures. Law enforcement officials told TMZ that when Ross came to, he “became combative.” He was taken to a hospital and initially received respiratory treatment for pneumonia, although a source in Ross’ circle told TMZ that the medical issue was “heart-related.”

However, some have denied TMZ’s claims about the severity of Ross’ condition: Fat Trel, who is signed to Ross’ label, Maybach Music Group, claimed to have spoken to Ross in an Instagram post, saying, “HE GOOD… HE IN DA HOSPITAL BUT HE IS NOT ON ‘LIFE SUPPORT’.” Rapper Nipsey Hussle appeared to confirm Fat Trel’s claim in a comment on the Instagram post: “Facts.”

Fat Trel and Nipsey Hustle said Rick Ross is in the hospital but he good. Trel Said he just spoke to him. ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/g9o0HCK3bW

— The Extraordinary Xilla (@BlogXilla) March 2, 2018

Another MMG artist, Rockie Fresh, also called TMZ’s report into question.

TMZ gassin

— Rockie Fresh (@rockiefresh) March 2, 2018

At any rate, a number of hip-hop artists have taken to Twitter to send Ross their best wishes.

Sending love and prayers up for Rick Ross and his family. Stay encouraged stay strong

— LLCOOLJ. (@llcoolj) March 3, 2018

???????? https://t.co/YahWq0GItr

— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) March 2, 2018

I BELIEVE in the Power of Prayer Sending Prayers up for Rick Ross????????

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) March 2, 2018

Prayers up to the biggest boss in the game rozay !!! We love u bro. Hold strong.

— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) March 2, 2018

God bless my brother Rick Ross I’m praying to the highest level love you bro

— FAT JOE (@fatjoe) March 2, 2018

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.