Rising Aussie hip-hop artist JJay De Melo has passed away, just days before a high-profile gig at Melbourne’s Festival Hall.
As the ABC reports, the young rapper had been swimming at Bushrangers Bay on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula at around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon when tragedy struck.
His body was found 90 minutes later, though he was unable to be resuscitated. Thankfully, his friend made it back to shore safely.
In a post shared on Facebook by the Victorian Youth Activating Youth organisation, they lamented the loss of such a bright young talent in such circumstances.
“It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we learn of the passing of one of our members of the YAY team,” the organisation wrote. “JJay De Melo was a young man full of life, energy, spirit and dreams. His infectious personality, passion and drive was unlike any other.”
“His constant support at YAY, his remarkable talent for what he did and more importantly, the love he had for helping young people will never be forgotten.”
“We are truly saddened that we have lost such an inspirational young person who played an invaluable role at YAY and in the lives of many who knew him.”
Just last month, it was announced that JJay De Melo had been tapped to serve as the support act for US rapper Tyga at his Melbourne concert on Saturday night.
Australian hip-hop DJ producer DJ Willi took to the concert’s Facebook page to also share his condolences for the late rapper.
“We gave JJay his first gig at a concert in 2013 and have been rocking with you in Melbourne ever since!” he wrote. “You have blossomed into the best MC and crowd rocker i believe in Melbourne, your energy is contagious.”
“Your kind heart has warmed all your friends and family and you will be dearly missed by the everyone who knew you!”
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of JJay De Melo at this difficult time.
Check out JJay De Melo’s ‘For Life’:
