Robbie Pardlo’s death at 46 sparks speculation over former City High singer’s health struggles

Robbie Pardlo, best known as the lead vocalist of the early-2000s R&B group City High, has died at age 46. But while his family confirmed his passing on July 17, his official cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.

A representative told TMZ:

“The family is currently grieving but will be planning Robbie’s memorial services and tributes in the upcoming days and will share details with the public.”

Robbie Pardlo's family shared that the late singer passed away in Willingboro, New Jersey, while being surrounded by his friends and loved ones.

Meanwhile, per Ice Cream Conversations, a relative claimed that Robbie Pardlo had been hospitalized due to complications from heart failure and passed two days later.

Beyond the spotlight, Robbie Pardlo’s personal life was marked by struggle. He battled addiction for much of his adult life, which he openly addressed during a 2010 episode of A&E’s Intervention.

Reflecting on his darker moments, he had admitted:

"I ain’t never felt as lonely as I do tonight in this nice hotel."

His relationship with City High bandmate Claudette Ortiz was reportedly volatile. Ortiz has spoken publicly about how Pardlo’s addiction fueled abusive behavior, including physical threats and violent outbursts.

He entered rehab in 2010 and was sober by that October. A 2017 interview suggested he had continued on the path of recovery, though recent reports point to a relapse.

Robbie Pardlo first rose to prominence as part of the R&B group City High alongside Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby. Their breakout hit, “What Would You Do?”, produced by Wyclef Jean, tackled issues of poverty and survival, which earned the group a Grammy nomination in 2002 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

Their follow-up single “Caramel,” featuring rapper Eve, further cemented their place in R&B history.

After City High disbanded, Robbie Pardlo continued working in music, joining the R&B quartet First Take and collaborating with major artists, such as Whitney Houston and Lil' Kim.

Outside of music, Pardlo was a dedicated family man and a proud Philadelphia Eagles superfan. He celebrated their championship run earlier this year with the same passion he brought to his music.

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He is survived by his wife, Anika Pardlo, their two children, Lyric and Chord-Andrew Pardlo, his mother, Marion Pardlo, his brother Gregory Pardlo — a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and professor — his aunt Cynthia Boyer, and his German Shepherd, Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge.

Plans for public tributes or services are expected in the coming days.

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