Medical examiner officially declares Takeoff's killing a homicide

Takeoff of the noteworthy Atlanta hip-hop trio Migos was shot and killed early Tuesday morning (November 1) in Houston, Texas. The death was ruled a homicide the following day by the Harris County medical examiner's office.

The Los Angeles Times revealed that the Georgia native died of "penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into arm," as stated by the preliminary autopsy report reviewed by the publication. The report is not yet completed.

The rapper was allegedly playing dice at a private party in a bowling alley with uncle and collaborator Quavo. An altercation broke out after the game and a man opened fire, according to local media. Two other people suffered minor injuries at the time of the incident. Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 28 years old.

"A large group of people had gathered at the front door area just outside the building, and it led to an argument where a shooting took place from the disagreement," Sgt. Michael Arrington of the Houston Police reported. "A lot of the people that were there fled the scene and did not stick around to give a statement."

Police in Houston have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward in order to help them identify the gunman that ended the rapper's life. They are searching for any hints of information, including video footage and photos from the scene, to give them leads for the case. "We need all of y'all to send those to us so we can solve this case," Sgt. Arrington said. "We're looking for anything to help us from there."

TMZ has now claimed that the 23-year-old male who was shot was Quavo's assistant, Joshua 'Wash' Washington. His injuries are reportedly non-life-threatening.

The death of Takeoff prompted an outpour of emotional responses from fellow rappers, celebrities and fans alike. Migos' record label Quality Control shared a statement on social media yesterday commemorating the loss of the beloved Migos member.

 

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Other celebrities both in and out of the music world including Draje, Gucci Mane, SZA, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi, AJ Tracey, Rae Sremmurd, Wiz Khalifa, City Girls' Yung Miami, Cordae and others reached out in a series of tributes to the late artist. Desiigner, who rose up in the rap world during the same period of time as Migos, announced he was quitting rap while mourning Takeoff in an Instagram livestream.

This Takeoff shit so weird .. I’m genuinely creeped out by the world . I cried . God bless that man’s spirit his family and friends . SUCH A TALENTED SOUL .. ion understand

— SZA (@sza) November 1, 2022

RIP Takeoff

— The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) November 1, 2022

Rest In Peace Takeoff 🕊💔 pic.twitter.com/7BFOq8qE8Q

— 4444444 (@Jxmmi) November 1, 2022

"His energy was always beautiful filled wit so much love and so much great energy @yrntakeoff we love you brother," Drake tweeted, having worked with Migos on the band's hit song 'Walk It Talk It'.

Former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland also took to the platform to share her disbelief, writing: "Keeping his family in my prayers!! There are no words…"

Kirshnik Khari Ball, later known in his career as Takeoff, grew up in the Georgia suburbs with Quavo and and cousin Offset. The trio started Migos in Lawrenceville in 2008, eventually taking off after being featured in Donald Glover's hit comedy-drama series Atlanta and landing on the Billboard 100 with the popular track 'Bad and Boujee'.

Offset has paid tribute to the star, subtly changing his Instagram profile picture to a snap of the rapper alongside a white love heart emoji.

Takeoff would go on to release dozens of mixtapes and four studio albums with the group as well as a solo artist. His most recent release saw him team up with Quavo for the album Only Built For Infinity Links, which was released less than a month before his untimely death.