Nicki Minaj‘s father, Robert Minaj, has died following a hit-and-run accident in New York over the weekend.
According to a report by TMZ, Minaj, 64, had been walking on a road in Mineola, Long Island, on Friday around 6PM when he was struck by a vehicle.
The Nassau County Police in New York said the driver then fled the scene before witnesses could get a clear look at them or their vehicle.
Minaj was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition, but passed away from his injuries on the following day.
The Homicide Squad is said to be investigating the hit-and-run and has asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.
Nicki hasn’t publicly spoken about her father’s death yet, however a spokesperson for the artist confirmed her father’s death to TMZ. They didn’t provide any further comment.
In an interview with Now magazine from 2014, Nicki opened up about her difficult childhood, sharing that there had been “a lot of arguing” at home.
“Lots of screaming – there were holes punched into the walls in anger and cops being called to the house all the time,” she said.
“I was afraid, very afraid that something would happen to my mother.”
Nicki claimed that her dad once set their house on fire while her mother was still inside.
She said her father didn’t like it when she talked about his violent past to the media, but Nicki said: “It’s the price you pay when you abuse drugs and alcohol.”
“Maybe one day your daughter will be famous and talk to every magazine about it, so think about that, dads out there who want to be crazy.”
In January of this year, Nicki shared new photos of her son on Instagram, giving fans their first look at the baby.
“Becoming a mom is by far the most fulfilling job I’ve ever taken on,” she shared at the time.
“Sending love to all the superhero mothers out there.
“Big hugs to all the women who have been pregnant during this challenging time.”
Nicki shares her son with husband, Kenneth Petty.
