Nicki Minaj’s road crew member De’Von “Day Day” Pickett was killed in a bar fight in Philadelphia in which fellow crew member Eric Parker was critically injured.

Nicki Minaj Crew

Minaj broke the news on Twitter Wednesday, revealing that two members of her team were stabbed and one killed after just two days rehearsing for her tour.

She later followed up with a tribute to the two men on Instagram, explaining that Pickett had died as a result of the stabbing and that Parker was recovering. “These guys flew into Philly for my tour rehearsals 2 days ago and were both stabbed last night. #RIPDAYDAY condolences to your family,” she captioned the picture (above). “Unbelievable. Eric (on the right) is recovering. Another senseless act of violence that took the life of a great guy. So sad.”

The Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that two men were stabbed outside of Philadelphia’s Che Bar & Grill in the early hours of Wednesday morning after getting into an argument with a fellow bar patron. “We believe that both of the victims, as well as the perpetrator, were all inside of this bar and that’s when an argument started,” Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC.

Rihanna Reacts

During his career in the music industry, Pickett, who was working as Minaj’s tour manager, previously worked and became friends with Rihanna. After news broke of Pickett’s death, Rihanna was photographed getting a flight out of New York City and leaving New York Fashion Week early.

She also took to Instagram to mourn the loss of her friend. “Can’t believe this is true! one of the nicest, coolest, funniest people I’ve ever met and toured with!,” Rihanna captioned a picture of Pickett. “We had so much fun together!!! Sad to lose a beautiful spirit like yours #RIPDayDay.” 

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on

The singer captioned a picture of herself with the late tour manager, “throwback #RIPDayDay.”

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on

Pickett had also worked with the likes of Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Fabolous.

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