Gossip website TMZ.com is reporting Rodney King has died at age 47.
According to TMZ sources, King’s fiancée found him dead at the bottom of a pool Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead at 6:11 AM.
Law enforcement sources say Rialto PD will open a drowning investigation, but so far there are no signs of foul play.
The acquittal of four LAPD officers accused in the videotaped beating of King sparked the 1992 Los Angeles riots that left 53 dead and thousands more injured. 4,000 National Guardsmen were called out to help put an end to 6 days of violence and looting.
King, who had past convictions for assault, battery and robbery, made an impassioned plea to rioters, included his now famous quote: “Can’t we all just get along?”
In 2009 King was awarded $3.8 in a settlement for violating his civil rights. He became engaged to one of the jurors who awarded him the money. In 2007 King was shot multiple times in the face, arms, back and torso during a domestic dispute.
King was in and out of jail in recent years. He reportedly died penniless.
