TMZ reports unconfirmed claim that Meat Loaf had severe COVID when he died

• A TMZ report said Meat Loaf had severe COVID-19 when he died on Thursday.

Meat Loaf had a severe case of COVID-19 when he died, according to an article by TMZ.

The official announcement of the star's death did not give a cause. Other reports did also not suggest a reason.

TMZ cited unnamed sources who told the outlet that Meat Loaf canceled a business dinner this week because of his illness. The infection soon turned critical, the outlet said.

It is not clear whether Meat Loaf, whose real name is Michael Lee Aday, was vaccinated.

He was 74 when he died, putting him at a relatively high risk from the virus compared to younger people.

The sources told TMZ that he had complained about vaccine mandates when in Australia.

A statement on his Facebook page said he died surrounded by family, but did not say how.

He sold more than 100 million albums, and appeared in films like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

You can read Insider's full story on his passing and decades-long career here.