Chris Lighty, Manager of P. Diddy, 50 Cent and More, Commits Suicide
Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and Chris Lightly
Chris Lighty, a longtime hip-hop manager for artists including P. Diddy, 50 Cent and Mariah Carey, died Thursday after he shot himself outside of his New York apartment, The New York Daily News reports. He was 44.
Lighty left his apartment at approximately 11:30 a.m. after an argument with his estranged wife, Veronica. Suddenly, a gunshot was heard and Lighty was found lying face-up with a pistol next to his body, the paper reports.
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Sources told the paper that Lighty may have also been dealing with financial struggles, including owing around $5 million to the IRS.
Lighty merged his company, Violator Management, with another company to form Primary Violator around the time of his divorce.
"R.I.P. Chris Lighty. He was a dear friend of mine and I still can't believe it," P. DIddy tweeted. "Everyone please send your prayers and condolences out to the Lighty family. We miss you Chris."