AceShowbiz - Keke Jabbar's friend has spoken up on her cause of death. YouTube star JoAnn Jenkins has debunked speculation that the reality TV star died of overdose or committed suicide, and revealed the actual cause of death.

JoAnn, who boasted a friendship with Keke, said during a YouTube livestream on Wednesday night, July 3, "Keke did not overdose, Keke did not take her own life. Keke loved life. Keke was not ready to leave life. She wasn't ready to leave her children, her husband or her family."

She explained that the "Love & Marriage: Huntsville" star would often get sleepy and "got to sleep wherever." She said Keke decided to sleep after experiencing an issue with her car prior to her sudden passing.

"So, seven-something this morning, her husband goes to the garage," JoAnn said during her so-called "official statement." She continued, "He sees Keke, what he thinks is asleep in the car. He tries to get her attention. He opens [the car] up. She isn't breathing."

"Her husband, her life partner, her best friend tried to bring his wife back, the mother of his children, and he couldn't. Keke passed from carbon monoxide poisoning. That's it. That is all," JoAnn stressed.

Keke's passing was first announced by blogger Marcella Speaks, who read out a statement from the late star's family on Tuesday. "It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Keke. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love," she said on behalf of Keke's loved ones during a YouTube livestream.

"She was a mom, a sister, and a great friend full of life, love and laughter. She will be sorely missed and at this time, we are asking for respect and privacy in our moment of grief while we process this great loss," the statement by the Jabbar family and the Scott family went on to read.

LaTisha Moore Scott, Jabbar's cousin and co-star, also confirmed the news on social media, expressing the family's need for privacy. "At this time we are asking for RESPECT, and PRIVACY in our moment of grief, while we process this great loss!" she shared on Instagram. "This is hard for our Family!!!!!"

Keke was known for her vibrant personality and tumultuous relationships on the OWN reality show "Love & Marriage: Huntsville". Aside from her television career, Jabbar was an accomplished author and professor. She was 42.

However, she also battled personal demons, including a history of opioid addiction, which she openly discussed on the show. Earlier this year, she vehemently denied accusations of using hard drugs and clarified that she had been sober throughout the filming of the series. "I've never taken any kind of hard drug," she stated during the "Love & Marriage: Huntsville Reunion", after being confronted by the show's producer Carlos King.