Donda West, the beloved mother of rapper Kanye West, tragically passed away in November 2007. The 58-year-old had chosen to undergo liposuction, a tummy tuck, and a breast reduction the day before her death. A coroner's report found that there was no evidence of a surgical or anesthetic accident, and that vomiting and medication were contributing factors. Born in Oklahoma in 1949, Donda West graduated from Virginia Union University in 1971 and received her doctorate from Auburn University in Alabama in 1980. She taught for 31 years, first as an assistant and then as a professor.
West was also the CEO of West Brands LLC and president of the Kanye West Foundation, a non-profit educational organization that works to reduce dropout rates and improve literacy. The tragedy prompted California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to tighten cosmetic surgery laws with the Donda West Act, which requires all cosmetic surgery patients to receive prior medical authorization after a physical examination. This means that it was probably a heart condition that ultimately caused her death, which could have been avoided if she hadn't undergone such strenuous surgeries. Jan Adams, the surgeon who performed the procedure, told INSIDE Edition that he advised Donda to recover from her surgeries at the hospital, but that the patient was eager to return home. Adams also revealed that West had approached him months earlier to undergo cosmetic surgery, but that he had not performed the procedure due to an undisclosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a heart attack. Kanye was incredibly close to his mother Donda West and they spent a lot of time together, with her by his side as he attended dazzling events and awards. The rapper even used an arrest for drunk driving as the cover of his new album, prompting the cosmetic surgeon to threaten legal action. Donda West's death serves as a reminder of the importance of taking proper precautions before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery.
It is essential to consult with a qualified medical professional and receive prior medical authorization before undergoing any type of elective procedure.
