Chicago police have opened an investigation into the death of Temptations singer Dennis Edwards. The 74-year-old crooner passed away at Rush University Medical Center on February 2, one day before his 75th birthday.
At the time of his death, Edwards’ widow, Brenda Edwards, said he died because of complications from meningitis, however, law enforcement officials are disputing that claim.
“It’s an open and ongoing investigation at this time,” Laura Amezaga, a spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department said earlier this week. A spokesperson for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office echoed that position, explaining the “manner and cause of death are pending.”
In January, an emergency protection order was filed by the by the Health Care Consortium of Illinois against Brenda Edwards alleging she abused her husband. According to the order, Edwards was “bedbound and immobile” after falling ill in 2017 and someone had tried to “suffocate [him] by holding his head face down on the bed.”
The Detroit News also reported the protection order said Edwards was removed from the couple’s Chicago home due to medical issues.
In a statement, Brenda Edwards denied the abuse allegations and reiterated her love for the legendary singer.
“I loved Dennis and we were married for 18 years. I would have never done anything to harm him,” she said through her publicist. “These allegations are false and defamatory and will be proven as such. Until this is all over, I have no further comment.”
Issa Pointer-Stewart, Edwards daughter with Pointer Sisters singer Ruth Pointer, claimed she and her siblings had been kept away from Edwards. Still, she said her father left an indelible mark on her life.
“He was extremely funny. He gave me this incredible voice and this larger than life presence, both me and my son sort of have that,” she told the Detroit News. “I hope we can give him what he deserves.”