Authorities: Rapper XXXTentacion shot dead in Florida
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Troubled rapper- singer XXXTentacion was shot and killed Monday in Florida in what police called an apparent robbery attempt.
The 20- year- old rising star, whose real name is Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was pronounced dead Monday evening at a Fort Lauderdale- area hospital, the Broward sheriff’s office said. He was shot earlier outside a Deerfield Beach motorcycle dealership.
XXXTentacion had been at RIVAMotorsports checking out inventory, sheriff’s public information officer Keyla Concepcion said. He was in a black BMW i8 and preparing to leave before 4 p. m. when two armed suspects approached him. At least one of them fired, and then both suspects fled the scene in a dark SUV, Concepcion said. Investigators don’t have amotive, and no arrests have been made.
Stephanie Martinez, a 29- yearold mother who lives in the neighborhood, was just coming back from the pool with her kids when she heard three shots. She drove to the end of the street and saw the rapper’s body in the car.
“He has his mouth open and his hand out. Two people went over and checked his pulse,” said Martinez, who also saw blood. “It’s just weird because he should’ve had security and stuff with him.”
On Twitter, his peers expressed shock and sadness. KanyeWest said: “rest in peace . . . I never told you howmuch you inspiredme when you were here thank you for existing.” Producer Diplo posted a photo of the two together and said, “Thanks for inspiring me.” Travis Barker tweeted: “I’m at a loss for words.”
The entertainer, who sported dreadlocks and a number of facial tattoos, was a rising star and notched a No. 1 album in March with his sophomore effort “?” and had a top 10 hit with “Sad!” but was facing trial on charges that he beat up his pregnant girlfriend.