Nicki Minaj is reeling after a member of her tour crew was stabbed to death on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The "Anaconda" rapper revealed the sad news on Wednesday afternoon, tweeting about it to her 18.9 million followers.
Two members of my team were stabbed last night in Philly. One was killed. They had only been there for two days rehearsing for the tour.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 18, 2015
According to TMZ, the deceased is De'Von Pickett, who worked as a stagehand for Minaj. He was with another crew member, Eric Parker, who was also stabbed and is in critical condition.
A local news report from NBC states that both men were at Che Bar & Grill in Philadelphia when a fight with another man broke out inside. The altercation then spilled outdoors, where Pickett, 29, and Parker, 27, were stabbed. The suspect fled the scene.
Minaj paid tribute to Pickett on Wednesday afternoon, sharing a photo of him with Parker via her Instagram account.
"#Rp @myfabolouslife – these guys flew into Philly for my tour rehearsals 2 days ago and were both stabbed last night," the caption read. "#RIPDAYDAY condolences to your family. Unbelievable. Eric (on the right) is recovering. Another senseless act of violence that took the life of a great guy. So sad."