Canadian music artist Brad Daymond Ralph, best known as one-third of the dance pop group Love Inc., died Friday. He was 48.
According to a Facebook post, Ralph’s girlfriend Kristen Pock took him to a hospital in Henderson, Nevada on May 2 for treatment of bronchitis. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia and congestive heart failure.
“Shortly after walking in … things took a turn and he needed to be intubated,” Pock explained. “While doing so his heart stopped. After reviving him, he coded again. Once he was back they took him into surgery and implanted a heart pump.”
Ralph remained on life support in the ICU.
According to a friend, Ralph – who was born in Mississauga and raised in Barrie, Ont. – had diabetes and struggled with other health issues throughout his life.
Love Inc., which consisted of Ralph, Chris Sheppard and vocalist Simone Denny, enjoyed platinum-selling success in 1998 with the release of their self-titled album. It spawned the hits “Broken Bones” and “You’re a Superstar” – songs Ralph co-wrote.
“Broken Bones” won Best Video at what is now the iHeartRadio MMVAs in 1998 and Best Dance Recording at the Juno Awards.
Ralph left Love Inc. in 1999 and co-founded Riprock 'n' Alex G Entertainment with fellow Canadian Alex Greggs. Ralph's songwriting and production credits include the title track for NSYNC's 2000 album No Strings Attached.
He is survived by parents Dennis and Evelyn and sisters Christine and Sue.
This article has been updated since it was first published.