Pharrell Williams Mourns Cousin Killed In Virginia Beach Shootings Last Week

BY Erika Marie 4.4K Views
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Pharrell Williams, Donovan Lynch, Virginia Beach Shootings, Police Shooting, Instagram
It has been reported that Donovan Lynch was shot and killed by a police officer.

Families are mourning the deaths of two people who lost their lives in Virginia Beach last Friday (March 26). It's reported that separate altercations in the resort area caused deaths and multiple injuries; first, two groups arguing escalated into a fight that resulted in at least five men opening fire. One of the suspects, 18-year-old Nyquez Tyyon Baker, reportedly admitted to shooting into a nearby crowd before handing the gun off to someone else. Bad Girls Club star Deshayla Harris was slain in a separate shooting in the resort area, as well, and Pharrell Williams recently shared that his cousin Donovan Lynch, was also killed in a third altercation nearby.

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According to USA Today, 25-year-old Donovan was a former college football player who was well-liked. It's reported that he was killed by a police officer but details are scarce. It has been stated that officers "encountered an armed citizen" but it was later added that a firearm was located "in the vicinity." Whether or not that firearm belonged to Lynch has yet to be shared but it has been reported that the officer who killed Lynch didn't have his body camera activated. Why? For "unknown reasons."

"The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure. My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings," Pharrell wrote on Instagram. "He was a bright light and someone who always showed up for others. It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve. Virginia Beach is the epitome of hope and tenacity and, as a community, we will get through this and come out even stronger."

Check out his post below. We send our sincerest condolences to Pharrell and his loved ones.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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