The Tragic Truth About Antonia Lofaso's Partner, Heavy D

Antonia Lofaso has quite the résumé. She's not only built an empire as a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and caterer, she's also appeared on TV shows like "Top Chef" and even written a cookbook. She's certainly made a name for herself and made it clear she knows how to run a business. But there's perhaps one title Lofaso takes most seriously: Mom. Lofaso is the single mother of daughter Xea Myers following the death of her partner, musical artist Heavy D, also known as Dwight Arrington Myers. Heavy D's star-studded career included his status as frontman of the group Heavy D and the Boyz in the '90s and was also featured on other performer's songs, such as Michael Jackson's "Jam."

Sadly, according to ABC News, 44-year-old Heavy D passed away suddenly in November of 2011 at his home from what the coroner ruled to be a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in one of the arteries that lead to the lungs. While the performer also had deep vein thrombosis and heart disease, the coroner stated that the blood clot was likely formed during a long plane ride from London to Los Angeles. Despite being transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, circumstances deteriorated and he passed away. This death was tragic — but his legacy lives on in music, his loved ones, and the community he called home.

Heavy D's funeral was attended by a wide range of industry luminaries, including Jay Z, Diddy, and Queen Latifah. A reading was given by Reverend Al Sharpton and Xea, who was 11 years old at the time, spoke, stating that her father was "still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit" (via The San Diego Union-Tribune).

This reading set a precedent: Xea has never forgotten her father, and still reflects on his passing in public spaces. She honored Heavy D in a 2020 Father's Day post on Instagram, writing, "I miss your laugh. I miss your smile. I miss everything about you. ... I wish I could talk to you everyday about music and my life. I love you papa." She similarly honored him on his birthday in 2024, posting a sweet picture of herself and her late father.

As for Lofaso? Well, her career has blossomed. But she's always been careful to configure her responsibilities around Xea. "My entire motivation all the time was about creating this life for us," Lofaso says (via Harry & David). Sounds like they've certainly created a life Heavy D would be proud of.