Music industry exec Chris Lighty was found dead outside his Bronx apartment this morning after an apparent suicide. Get reactions from his celebrity friends inside..........
Music industry executive and manager Chris Lighty was found dead at 11:30am Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to confirmed reports, Chris was found lying faceup with a 9-mm. pistol by his side.
Things hadn't been going so well for Chris as the NY Daily News reports he had just had a spat with his estranged wife Veronica and allegedly owed the IRS $5 million, which he paid most of after selling his apartment for $5.6 mill. Reportedly, he still owed money for back taxes, as well as to his bank:
The shocking suicide followed a wild spat between Lighty and his 36-year-old wife, Veronica, who filed for divorce last year. Moving trucks were at the home, as the veteran music manager prepared to move out of the three-story townhouse, sources said.
Law enforcement sources said Lighty’s wife of seven years told police he was facing financial woes that include a $5 million debt to the IRS. However, the Associated Press reported that Lighty paid off most of what he owed by selling a Manhattan apartment for $5.6 million in October.
Lighty still owed more than $330,000 in state and federal taxes, the AP reported. And in April, he was sued by City National Bank for not paying them after he had overdrawn his account by $53,584.
His 17-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son were inside the W. 232nd St. home and left when the argument erupted. They were in a park nearby when Lighty, who has three other children, stepped outside and shot himself, sources said.
Here are some reactions from those who knew and loved him:
Diggy Simmons: Still in shock.. More than just my manager but my family. Love you and gonna miss you Chris. R.I.P
Vivica A. Fox OH WOW!! Chris Lighty u will be missed! This is soo shocking! Treasure Life Tweeps!
Diddy "In shock. R.I.P."
Sway Calloway RIP Chris Lighty
DJ Khaled R.I.P chris lighty!! Chris is hip hop, a friend & a gr8 person! When I came in the game he acknowledged me from the beginning & aspired 4 me 2 B gr8! Chris always wanted 2 help everyone! & did! Much luv 2 the family & my prayers R w/ them!
Lloydbanks R.I.P Chris Lighty
Free RIP to @clighty prayers up to his entire family, siblings, wife and kids. Music Industry Legend, #goodman
Mack Maine R.I.P. Chris Lighty.....#wow
DJ Whoo Kid RIP Chris Lighty --- A very Sad day in Hip Hop and Life itself --- my brother is gone.
Monica Brown Another tragic loss!! God Bless the Lighty Fam,My heart aches
Terrence J RIP to Chris Lighty. Dude gave me life changing advice & wisdom. A tragic loss, he will be deeply missed. Prayers to the family.
Chuck D R I P Chris Lighty SMH to the mongrels that have made the BLACKmusic industry a depressing game to drag such good cats into a pit of bullsht
PUSHA T Rest in Peace @clighty this is terrible news!!
Rocsi Diaz R.I.P Chris Lighty
DJ DRAMA Wow. no words. RIP Chris Lighty.
FAT JOE R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!
Ludacris R.I.P. Chris Lightly who always had the best energy every time I had an encounter with him. He will be misse
Joe Budden Damn Chris Lighty ...... Smh. #RIP
Childish Gambino rest in peace Chris Lighty. thank you for everything
Chuck D R I P Chris Lighty SMH to the mongrels that have made the BLACKmusic industry a depressing game to drag such good cats into a pit of bullish
FAT JOE R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!
OMAR EPPS Chris Lighty was a pioneer in hip hop & the music biz period! He was a good man & a good friend. Prayers for his family & his children..
Sway Calloway RIP Chris Lighty http://bit.ly/PT6zh6
Jennifer Williams Very sad news about Chris Lighty... You never know someone's inner struggles... #RIP
Rah Digga Chris Lighty was everything to me in my Flipmode years. So busy rescuing others sorry we couldn't rescue you. You will be missed brother...
Russell Simmons: I am deeply saddened by the loss of a hip-hop hero. Chris Lighty has been a dear friend of mine since he was a kid. Was a brilliant partner in business and I was so proud of all that he had accomplished. He is an amazing example of how a passionate kid from the street can go to the most even-keeled, smart, thoughtful manager in the business and a generous philanthropist. He was loved by everyone who knew him, including me. He will be missed greatly by all of us.
John Legend: RIP Chris Lighty. Hip-hop visionary.
Kelly Price: Chris Lighty was a power player in this business. PLEASE lets see that we ALL need love, support and encouragement. WE HAVE2HOLDEACHOTHERUP
?uestlove: Man, I’m really sorry about Chris Lighty. Such a nice guy to me & my band. May God rest his soul. Peace to his family.
Big Sean: RIP Chris Lighty. my condolences to the family and loved ones.
Keyshia Cole: Sad at the amount of influential people we’re losing to suicide!!!!! Damn man!!! Come on!!!
Jay Electronica: this C.Lighty news really saddens me at the core. Peace on him and his loved ones.
Talib Kweli: Rest in peace Chris Lighty. Your words and your vision are constant inspiration to me. Forever.
Ameriie: God bless Chris Lighty and his family…rest in peace.
Soulja Boy: R.I.P my manager Chris Lighty, I know you’re in a better place. this shit got me so fucked up big bro we just talked on the phone 2 days ago
Nicki Minaj: Another tragic & inconceivable loss for the culture. #RIPChrisLighty
Rihanna: Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy
Marsha Ambrosius: RIP Chris Lighty. Prayers to family and loved ones.
Big Boi: RIP Chris Lighty
Magic Johnson: So sad to hear the news about hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty passing. My prayers go out to his family.
Ciara: So Sad, and Truly Unbelievable:(..May Chris Lighty Rest In Peace..
Tameka J. Raymond: Rest Peacefully Chris Lighty... This business is not healthy. So much pain. He was a Key player in the music business. I hate this news. Smh
