Atlanta officials have confirmed Def Jam Records executive Shakir Stewart did commit suicide on Saturday [November 1]. Cobb County, Ga. police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said the 34-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was later found in the bathroom of his Marietta, Ga. home. Stewart was pronounced dead at nearby Kenne Hospital.
Stewart‘s fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement on behalf of his family and friends to thank everyone for their love and support. The statement also reveals that the high-ranking executive was “in deep pain and largely suffering in silence” prior to his death. Stewart‘s friends and Def Jam co-workers also released a similar statement.
“L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart,” the statement reads. “Shakir was an amazing man, in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time.”
