September 2, 2012 10:28

Manager Chris Lighty's death ruled a suicide

Lighty looked after 50 Cent, Diddy and Mariah Carey

Photo: PA

The death of Chris Lighty – manager to 50 Cent (pictured above), Diddy and Mariah Carey – has been officially ruled as a suicide.

The New York City medical examiner's office has said that Lighty, 44, killed himself with a shot to the head from a 9mm handgun, according to a report from Billboard.

It is thought that Lighty committed suicide after getting into a fight with his ex-wife, Veronica. Lighty's body was found at around 11.30am (ET) on 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. A host of hip-hop stars 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

The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.

Share on Facebook