kandi-ajThe doctor who performed the autopsy on reality TV personality Ashley “AJ” Jewell says that a pre-existing condition may have played a major role in the BRAVO star’s death, reports TMZ:

Fulton County Associate Medical Examiner, Dr. Kelly Rose tells TMZ preliminary autopsy results lead her to believe Ashley “A.J.” Jewell suffered from Sickle Cell — a disease which inhibits oxygen flow to tissues in the body.

Rose says it’s most likely that Jewell was worked up from the fight — and because of his condition, it’s probable that he couldn’t replenish the oxygen he lost during the incident … which the Dr. says could have fatal consequences.

AJ was engaged to R&B singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss (formerly of Xscape) up until August 2009 and was a regular on her show, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Filming for the reunion special was set to take place last Thursday (Oct 8), but has since been pushed back due to AJ’s sudden death the week prior.

PHOTO: FREDDYO

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