Alturo Shelton was a talented and funny impressionist-comedian who entertained audiences with his clean and witty humor. He was known for his impersonations of celebrities such as Redd Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Sammy Davis Jr., and even Aretha Franklin. He appeared on TV shows like BET’s “Comic View” and worked on cruise lines around the world. But how did he die and what was his cause of death?
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A Sudden and Mysterious Death
Alturo Shelton died on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the age of 66. According to the Michigan Chronicle, he had been working on cruise lines until his death. However, the exact circumstances and cause of his death are not clear. There are no official reports or obituaries that mention how he died or where he was when he passed away.
Some online sources suggest that he died of a heart attack, but there is no confirmation or evidence to support this claim. One YouTube video that pays tribute to him says that he was “awakened by an early morning phone call to be told about the passing of Alturo Shelton”. However, the video does not provide any details or sources for this information.
A Possible Connection to a Diabetes Trial
One possible clue to Alturo Shelton’s cause of death is his involvement in a diabetes trial. Shelton had type 1 diabetes, a condition that prevents the body from producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. In 2021, he participated in a clinical trial for a new drug called VX-880, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The drug was designed to stimulate the growth of new insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Shelton was one of the first patients to receive VX-880 and was said to be the first person “cured” of type 1 diabetes with the drug. He successfully started producing his own insulin six months after being treated with VX-880, according to Diatribe. He was featured in a video by Vertex, where he expressed his gratitude and excitement for the drug.
However, in 2023, Vertex announced that it was pausing the trial of VX-880 after two patients died. The company did not disclose the identities or causes of death of the patients, but said that they were unrelated to the drug. Vertex also said that it was investigating the deaths and working with regulators to resume the trial.
It is not known if Alturo Shelton was one of the patients who died in the trial, or if his death had anything to do with VX-880. However, some online comments and posts have speculated that he may have been one of the victims of the trial, or that he may have suffered from complications or side effects of the drug.
A Legacy of Laughter and Love
Regardless of how he died, Alturo Shelton left behind a legacy of laughter and love. He was a devoted husband and father of two daughters and one granddaughter. He was also a respected and admired performer who brought joy and smiles to many people with his humor and talent. He was described as a “throwback to other eras” who kept his comedy clean and classy. He was also a man of faith who honored his commitment to God.
Alturo Shelton will be remembered as a blessing and a gift to the world of comedy and entertainment. He will be missed by his family, friends, fans, and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
