Isaac Hayes — a legendary soul singer, songwriter, musician and producer whose career spanned four decades and who achieved unexpected fame later in life as the voice of "South Park" character Chef — died Sunday afternoon (August 10), a spokesperson for the Shelby County, Tennesee, sheriff's department told WMC-TV in Memphis.
Hayes' wife found him on the floor near a treadmill inside his home, according to the station's Web site. Hayes was taken to Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, where he was pronounced dead at 2:08 p.m.
Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department are continuing their investigation into Hayes' death, but they believe no foul play was involved, the report said. Hayes was 65.