Nicki Minaj, Rihanna And More Pay Tribute To Tour Manager Killed In Stabbing

19 February 2015, 10:14

De'Von Pickett was fatally stabbed in Philadelphia.

Nicki Minaj's tour manager De'Von Pickett was stabbed in Philadelphia yesterday (Wednesday 18th February) and has tragically passed away.

A second member of Nicki's tour crew, Eric Parker, is in critical condition in hospital after also suffering from several stab wounds. 

The stabbings occurred after a fight kicked off around 2am in a bar and moved onto the Philadelphia neighbourhood's street, reports NBC Philadelphia.

Pickett, 29-years-old, had been in Philadelphia for two days working on rehearsals for Nicki Minaj's upcoming tour. Rihanna, who has also toured with the New York born tour manager described him as "one of the nicest, coolest, funniest people [she's] ever met and toured with."

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

Rih, along with Nicki Minaj, Pusha T, Fabolous and other stars PIckett had worked have since been paying tribute to their friend on social media. 

 

can't believe this is true! one of the nicest, coolest, funniest people I've ever met and toured with! We had so much fun together!!! Sad to lose a beautiful spirit like yours #RIPDayDay

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) onFeb 18, 2015 at 10:59am PST

 

#Rp @myfabolouslife - these guys flew into Philly for my tour rehearsals 2 days ago and were both stabbed last night. #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.

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) onFeb 18, 2015 at 10:09am PST

 

It's killing me to talk abt you in the past tense. I don't believe I've ever met someone as selfless as you. No one as humble and for the team as you. I hired you as my road manager simply because I knew you were more honest than me. There were stronger, more experienced, more polished candidates for the job but they weren't better than you. You made me see good in people. You gave everyone a chance, they should've gave you a chance. You didn't deserve this @daydaydoesdis . Love You #RIP

A photo posted by kingpush (@kingpush) onFeb 18, 2015 at 8:11am PST

Nicki Minaj will be heading to the UK for her The PinkPrint Tour, with support from Trey Songz, this March and April before returning to London for the New Look Wireless Festival in July, where she will co-headline alongside David Guetta.