August 31, 2012 15:00

50 Cent, Diddy, Mariah Carey's manager found dead in apparent suicide

Chris Lighty died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head

Photo: PA

50 Cent, Diddy and Mariah Carey's longtime manager has been found dead.

It is thought that Chris Lighty, 44, shot himself in the head after getting into a fight with his ex-wife.

Police told TMZ that Lighty's body was found at around 11.30am (ET) yesterday (August 30) in the back yard of his apartment in the Bronx area of New York.

The founder of Violator Management was pronounced dead on the scene and a semi-automatic firearm was by his side. TMZ adds that sources informed them that Lighty and his wife divorced in 2011 and that the music mogul "hadn't been the same since".

A host of hip-hop stars have paid tribute to Lighty, with 50 Cent releasing a statement saying that he was deeply saddened by the loss.

Rihanna wrote:

Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy
— Rihanna (@rihanna) August 30, 2012

Diddy said that he was "In shock" before adding a string of messages about his former manager on Twitter, including:

R.I.P. Chris Lighty. He Was A Dear Friend Of Mine And I Still Can't Believe It.
— iamdiddy (@iamdiddy) August 30, 2012

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