Legendary Grammy award-winning Jamaican musician and actor Louie Rankin passed away in a fatal accident after the car he was in collided with a transport truck in Ontario, Canada, on Monday, according to the Associated Press. He died at the scene of the accident.
Born Leonard Ford, Rankin, who was also known as “Original Don Dada” is famously remembered for his roles in popular movies “Shottas” and “Belly” – the latter which he starred alongside Nas and DMX. A household name in his native Jamaica, Rankin also won a Grammy award in 1992 for his hit single Typewriter.
News of his demise was also confirmed on his official Twitter account.
“It saddens us to have to announce that The “ORGINAL DON DADA” “Trail Blazer” the legend – Louie Ox Rankin passed away this morning!” the Tweet read. “May God keep his soul with his father, sister and niece in #heaven #amen #sipox.”
He is survived by seven children and his wife of 30 years, Jewlz Sykes, who was also his executive assistant, Heavy reports.
Taking to her Instagram, Sykes, who shares three of the kids with Rankin confirmed his passing.
“There are no words!!!!!!,” she captioned. “Sleep with the angels my King!.”
News of his death was followed with tributes from several fans and celebrities, including Nas and DJ Khaled. Nas established a strong relationship with him when they shot Belly. About three years ago, he made a cameo in the video for DJ Khaled’s Nas Album Done track featuring the Queensbridge rapper.
“Louie Rankin. Great working with this man. A legend. In Belly you stole the show. “ You Wana Rump with b*mbacl*t me??!,”” Nas shared on his Instagram. “In @djkhaled video Nas Album Done, your presence was super live wire much needed. RIP Don Dada.”
DJ Khaled also shared a series of videos and photos paying tribute to his friend of over 20 years.
Take a look at some more reactions to his death below:
Tiger Woods is set to receive $100 million from PGA Tour Enterprises for his loyalty,…
Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback, has shown his affection for the community by contributing…
It appears Shaquille O'Neal is willing to go all the way out to pamper his…
A U.S. Army Major faces up to 240 months in prison after he was found…
In her first interview about her conviction in Russia on drug smuggling charges, WNBA star…
The beloved host of This Morning, Alison Hammond, is making headlines by selling off her…
Two high school students in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have earned a place in history. The…
Derek Floyd, a 36-year-old Fire Department of New York probationary fireman, died of a heart…
A 4-year-old boy fighting end-stage kidney disease lived out his dream as a cop for…
Director Abshir Rageh oversees film production at Astaan, a privately held cable television network in…
Nigerians are eagerly awaiting to welcome their "daughter" Meghan Markle's royal visit next month alongside…
Othello Larenzo Holmes has been charged with attempted indecent assault and faces five counts of…
Dylan Beard is a Howard University graduate who is currently working at a Walmart deli.…
Boxing legend Mike Tyson is not taking any chances as he prepares for his July…
LeBron James has cast uncertainty over his future with the Lakers by declining to confirm…