Robert Maraj, the father of musician and rapper Nicki Minaj, has been killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident in New York.
According to BBC News, a representative for Minaj confirmed in a press statement that Maraj had died at the age of 64 after being knocked down by a motorist while out taking a walk in Long Island, on Friday, February 12.
The driver of the car which hit Maraj fled the scene immediately after the incident. Miraj was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition, but despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses, he was pronounced dead the very next day.
According to TMZ, Nassau County police investigators claim that Maraj was walking on the road between Roslyn Road and Raff Avenue at approximately 6pm, Eastern Time, when he was struck by the vehicle in question, which was heading North.
Per TMZ, Nassau County cops have confirmed that its Homicide Squad is investigating the death of Robert Maraj, and are appealing to the public for help in identifying the suspect, as detectives are currently working without a physical description of the guilty party.
Maraj worked as a financial executive and part-time gospel singer, with whom Nicki Minaj (real name: Onika Tanya Maraj) had a close relationship.
The former American Idol judge has not yet publicly commented on her father's passing.
However, fans have been inundated the singer with kind messages, offering up their condolences.
One wrote: "Sending you and your family all the love and strength. We love you, @NICKIMINAJ! May your father Rest In Peace."
Another added: "We’re sending all our love and prayers to Nicki Minaj and her family, and we’re wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your father."
Nicki's mother Carol Maraj split from her father almost 20 years ago but remained friends.
Opening up about their relationship, she told the Trinidad Express in 2012 that he'd had a troubled past but wanted to change – and she supported him.
She said: "[Robert's] dad passed away when he was 14. He had a lot of responsibilities because he had to care for five siblings. His mother put a lot of pressure on him and he was beaten for everything.
"A few years ago, he said he changed, and he wanted help. I still love him. But as a brother in Christ. We've been over for more than 10 years now."