Takeoff died at the age of 28 after a shooting in Houston (Picture: Getty)
Police officers have launched an investigation into the death of rapper Takeoff at the age of 28, following a shooting in Houston.
News emerged of the Migos rapper’s death earlier today after an incident at a private party on Monday night, with groupmate and uncle Quavo, 31, also thought to be in attendance.
Two others were also injured in the incident and were taken to hospital but are not said to have fatal injuries.
Police Chief Troy Finner held a press conference this afternoon in which he confirmed Takeoff’s death, and explained that he had spoken to the musician’s mother.
‘Let me speak to the human element first, before we do anything,’ he began. ‘I want everyone to understand the pain, suffering of a mother. Very tough.
‘I told her, as we stand with any victim of violence – or any homicide victim – their family, we stand with them in this city, in this police department.
‘We understand and we know that this morning, at approximately 2.34am, officers received a call of a shooting in progress. Officers arrived there shortly after … at Billiards and Bowling Alley.
‘Once officers arrived, they came up on a male who was deceased. That male has been identified as Kirshnik Ball, better known as Takeoff. He’s a member of the Migos rap group, out of Atlanta.’
Chief Finner continued: ‘I got many calls from Houston, and outside of Houston. Everyone spoke of what a great young man this is, how peaceful he is. What a great artist. I’m calling up on everybody, our hip-hop artists in Houston and around the nation.
‘We’ve got to police ourselves. There are so many talented individuals, men and women, in that community, who I love and respect. We all need to stand together and make sure that nobody tears down that industry.
Officers have launched an investigation into his death (Picture: WireImage)
‘I want to ask that we all pray for his mother, his family, and all of his friends who are in deep pain and shock right now.’
It was confirmed that around 40 people were attending a private party when the incident occurred, with a disagreement breaking out as people were attempting to leave.
At least two firearms were used in the incident, with officers in the process of investigating the shell casings.
Two other individuals had reported themselves with non-life-threatening injuries after the attack, and have been confirmed as a 23-year-old male and a 24-year-old female.
Fans paid tribute after news of the rapper’s death emerged (Picture: WireImage)
‘Both of them are going to be okay,’ an investigator announced, but offered no other updates on their identities.
Officers are still looking through leads to find out who was responsible for Takeoff’s death, and have pleaded with anyone who has information to come forward.
Chief Finner addressed locals, pleading: ‘I’m calling you to action, to step up. There were 40 people, at least, at this event.
‘I ask you one thing, and I want this to resonate with everybody. What if it was your brother? What if it was your son? You would want somebody to step up, so please step up.
Takeoff famously performed beside Offset and Quavo (Picture: Getty)
‘Get the information to us so we can bring some closure to this family who is hurting right now.’
Mayor Sylvester Turner added: ‘I do want to extent my condolences to the mom of Takeoff, to all the family members of Takeoff, to the family and friends.
‘It doesn’t matter how famous you are, you may not be famous at all, anybody who loses his or her life is a life lost. There are family members and friends who are grieving as a result.’
Tributes poured in after the news, with Ja Rule, Khloe Kardashian and Kelly Rowland among those offering their condolences.
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Takeoff performed as part of rap group Migos alongside Quavo, real name Quavious Keyate Marshall, and Offset, real name Kiari Kendrell Cephus.
The trio were hugely popular and headlined a string of huge festivals and concerts, while also collaborating with Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Travis Scott and many more.
Some of their most popular tracks include MotorSport, Stir Fry, Walk It Talk It and Bad and Boujee, which soared to the top of the Hot 100 charts in 2016.
Migos split earlier this year with Offset going his separate way while Takeoff and Quavo went on to form a new duo named Unc & Phew – in reference to their familial relationship as uncle and nephew.
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‘I want everyone to understand the pain, suffering of a mother.’
