Hip-Hop Manager Chris Lighty Found Dead After Apparent Suicide

Hip-hop manager Chris Lighty, 44, who worked with such artists as 50 Cent, Sean"Diddy" Combs, Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule and Mariah Carey, shot himself in the head behind his South Riverdale, Bronx, home Thursday morning around 11:30 a.m. after he reportedly had an argument with his wife.

Lighty, the founder and chief of Violator Management, was found dead on his basement patio after the gunshot wound, reports the New York Daily News. His wife, Veronica, who filed for divorce last year, had reportedly been arguing with Lighty, and moving trucks were present at the Bronx townhouse.

Lighty's wife, who had been married to him for seven years, also reported that Lighty was facing financial troubles after being told he owed $5 million to the IRS. LIghty reportedly said, "I'm tired of this," before pulling the trigger.

Celebs came out in force — on Twitter and in person — to mourn their friend. "I am devastated right now," tweeted Nick Cannon. "I can't believe my big brother Chris Lighty is gone … He was a pioneer, a mentor, and a great friend." Deejay Funkmaster Flex and Busta Rhymes also came to Lighty's house. They were seen helping load boxes into two U-Haul trucks.

"Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy," Rihanna tweeted. In Mary J. Blige's words, "U never know what can send a person over the edge or make them want 2 keep living. take it easy on people. We are so fragile."

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