The tragic death of Keke Jabbar has recently been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Alabama medical examiner. The official autopsy report, which TMZ has obtained, reveals a startlingly high level of carboxyhemoglobin in her blood—64%. This compound forms when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, a process that is 200 times more efficient than oxygen binding. For context, this level of toxicity is 62% higher than what is considered normal for non-smokers and 59% higher than for smokers. With such extreme levels, it is clear that by the time Keke was discovered, there was nothing that could have been done to save her.
In July, Keke was found unresponsive by her husband in their car, which was parked in their home garage. Initially, her friend JoAnn Jenkins, a YouTuber, had shared the distressing news on social media, referencing carbon monoxide poisoning before the official autopsy confirmation. Jenkins, in what she termed an “official statement” from Keke’s family, detailed the tragic event.
“Around seven in the morning, her husband went to the garage and saw what he thought was Keke asleep in the car. He tried to wake her up and discovered she wasn’t breathing,”
Jenkins explained. Jenkins further elaborated on the situation, stating, “Her husband, who was her life partner and best friend, tried desperately to revive her, but it was too late. Keke passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This is the truth. My sister didn’t want to leave this Earth. She wasn’t ready to leave her children or her husband. She had so much to look forward to.”
Keke’s personal life had been marked by various challenges and public scrutiny. A previous cast member of the reality show Love & Marriage Huntsville, LaTisha Scott, requested privacy following Keke’s unexpected death. The two had been involved in a family feud that had strained relationships, complicating the aftermath of Keke’s passing.
JoAnn Jenkins, who claimed to be in close contact with Keke’s husband and mother, was vocal about dispelling any rumors regarding Keke’s death. She addressed speculations suggesting an overdose or suicide, asserting that Keke had been in good spirits despite recent legal and personal troubles. Jenkins highlighted that Keke was candid about her struggles with opioid addiction on the reality show but was otherwise optimistic about her future.
The toxicology report did indicate the presence of oxycodone and oxymorphone in Keke’s system, but Jenkins emphasized that carbon monoxide poisoning was the definitive cause of death. She described the situation as a tragic accident, explaining that Keke had a tendency to fall asleep in various places and had been working on an issue with her car in the garage at the time of the incident.
The funeral for Keke was held in Bessemer, Alabama, where friends and family gathered to celebrate her life. The ceremony included a balloon release outside the Bessemer Recreation Center to honor her memory. Richelle Craig, a high school friend of Keke, reflected on the outpouring of love and memories shared on social media, noting,
“It warms my heart to see all the wonderful things people have said about Keke. She was such a loving, fun, and loyal person.”
However, not all family members were present. An individual claiming to be Keke’s uncle, Ellis Dawson, publicly requested that her *Love & Marriage Huntsville* castmates, including LaTisha and her aunt Wanda, avoid the funeral. Dawson accused them of contributing to Keke’s distress during her final months, urging them to “keep the same energy” they showed when she was alive.
Keke Jabbar’s passing is a profound loss. She will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her contributions as a writer and professor, and her cherished roles as a wife and mother. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
