Nicki Minaj's father killed in tragic hit and run

Nicki Minaj and her family suffered an unimaginable tragedy this past weekend. On Friday, Minaj’s father, Robert Maraj, was crossing a road where he lives in Mineola, Long Island, when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver fled before witnesses were able to get a good description of the car. Maraj was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died. He was 64.

According to a statement made by the Nassau County Police Department, Maraj was "was struck by a northbound, undescribed, vehicle that left the scene of the accident," around 6:15 p.m. on February 12. He died sometime this weekend in hospital as a result of his injuries. It’s unclear whether Minaj was with her father at the time of his passing.

The 10-time Grammy nominee has yet to make a statement on her father’s passing. Minaj has previously spoken about her difficult upbringing and strained relationship with her father.

TMZ was first to report about Maraj’s death. According to the gossip site, police in the homicide department are currently looking for witnesses who can provide information about the car or a physical description of the driver.

Since news broke of Maraj’s passing, many of Minaj’s fans and fellow musicians like Chuck D have been sharing their love and support for the rapper and her family.

The death of Minaj’s father is the latest painful event to touch the Maraj family. Minaj, real name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, has previously written about the death of her cousin Nicholas Telemaque in her music. The 27-year-old was shot to death outside his home in 2011. 

Our condolences go out to the family.

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