Michael Rigsby, a 26-year-old musician known for performing at a prominent North Texas megachurch and Dallas venue, was found dead in his car just weeks after receiving a medical warning to visit a cardiologist.

According to the Christian Post, Authorities discovered Rigsby’s body on June 23, a little over a month after he received a medical referral cautioning that failure to seek immediate cardiac evaluation could result in death, though it remains unclear whether he ever got professional follow-up care.

Rigsby was found inside his vehicle parked in Frisco, Texas, around 9 a.m. Police had received a missing person report from Irving authorities the night before, on June 22, at approximately 8 p.m. According to officers, there were no signs of trauma or foul play at the scene.

His mother, Kim Cooks, later discovered a medical document among her son’s belongings while cleaning out his car. The referral, dated May 18, urged Rigsby to see a heart specialist within 48 hours, highlighting death as the primary risk if left unchecked. Cooks remains uncertain whether her son heeded the recommendation.

Musician’s Final Days Before His Death

Rigsby’s last known public performance took place on June 21 at The Free Man Cajun Café and Lounge in Dallas. After the show, he reportedly gave rides to several friends before heading back to Frisco. He parked near the apartment complex where he had previously lived, located close to The Bridge Frisco church.

The following morning, June 23, Frisco police found him unresponsive in the driver’s seat. Authorities informed his family that his body had been found in what appeared to be a sleeping position. The cause of death has not been officially determined, pending a full autopsy report.

Rigsby had recently been staying between two homes — his mother’s residence in Texarkana and the house of his godmother. According to Cooks, it was normal for her son to rest briefly in his vehicle after late-night gigs before morning church services the next day.

Family Grapples With Unanswered Questions

Cooks said she had no previous knowledge of her son experiencing any heart issues. The document she found did not list a diagnosis but did state that urgent care was required due to a life-threatening risk. She turned the referral over to the medical examiner for further investigation.

“They didn’t give a diagnosis,” Cooks said. “They just said he needed to see a cardiologist within two days, and if he didn’t, death was the main risk.” She also expressed concern that if her son had been told something alarming, it might have caused him to keep the news to himself.

“He wouldn’t have told me because he hated to make me worry,” she said. “If they said something serious, that might’ve scared him.” Cooks described her last meeting with her son on June 16 as warm and affectionate, noting that he embraced her tightly and said he loved her.

Community Pays Tribute to Talented Musician

The Bridge Frisco, where Rigsby often played the keyboard during services, released a public statement following his passing. The church described Rigsby as a dedicated member of their worship band and said he played a major role in shaping the music that defined their services.

“His presence behind the keys was part of the sound that filled our sanctuary,” the statement read. “We are grieving his loss and supporting his family as they search for clarity during this time. He will be deeply missed.”

Rigsby was the youngest of three children. Known for his musical talent and dedication to faith, he remained a visible figure at The Bridge Frisco while continuing to perform at local venues across the Dallas area. Friends and family described him as passionate and humble.

Emerging Health Risks for Young Black Men

Rigsby’s sudden death has added to ongoing discussions about heart health risks facing young African American men. According to a 2017 report by researchers at Vanderbilt University, this demographic frequently experiences early-onset heart diseases and related complications compared to other groups.

Hypertension — a major factor in cardiovascular disease — has been found to affect African American men in college at double the rate of their white peers. The study also attributed around 75% of hypertension instances to obesity, further compounding health concerns.

The Vanderbilt report warned that health outcomes among African American males are likely to worsen over time without intervention. It emphasized that this population shows an accelerated progression of cardiovascular issues starting in youth, contributing to premature fatalities.

Awaiting Final Autopsy and Investigation

While family members await the final autopsy report, many questions remain. Police have not indicated any suspicion of foul play and continue to treat the incident as a non-criminal death. Initial assessments pointed to Rigsby passing away in his sleep.

Cooks said she is relying on medical examiners to provide more insights. “All I know is that he went to sleep and didn't wake up,” she said. A clearer picture of what caused Rigsby’s death may not emerge until the full report is available in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, those who knew him continue to mourn the loss. The community is grappling with the tragedy of losing someone so young and vibrant, and hopes the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing health concerns promptly.