Police were called to Mr Hayes' home in the early hours after his wife found him unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Hayes, a flamboyant, deep-voiced performer, won an Oscar for the 1970s hit Theme From Shaft.

He was perhaps better known to a younger audience as the voice of Chef from the hit cartoon show, South Park.

"Family members believe at this point it is a medical condition that might have led to his death," a police spokesman said, adding that Mr Hayes was being treated for "a number of medical issues".

Mr Hayes suffered a stroke in 2006.

BBC