Who was Pharrell’s cousin Donovon Lynch?
“HAPPY” singer Pharrell Williams announced that his cousin Donovon Lynch was shot and killed by police in Virginia.
The singer shared the news on his Instagram account on March 29 after police released further details about the accident.
Who was Pharrell’s cousin Donovon Lynch?
Donovon Lynch, 25, was Pharrell Williams’ cousin and a student at City College of San Francisco.
Lynch played college football for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise as an offensive lineman during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, graduating in 2019.
WAVY News 10’s Brett Hall reported that Lynch was also a volunteer with Something In The Water (SITW), a 3-day concert held in Virginia, organized by Williams.
What happened to Donovon Lynch?
Lynch was fatally shot on the night of Friday, March 26, 2021 in Virginia Beach.
He was one of the eight victims that died in a series of multiple shootings at the Oceanfront late on March 26, one of which involved an officer.
As police were responding to the gunfire around 11:20pm, an officer came into contact with Lynch in the 300 block of 20th Street.
In a press update about the shooting on March 26, police claimed that Lynch waved a gun when they came into contact with him.
Lynch was shot and killed shortly after and a firearm was recovered at the scene, according to authorities.
The officer involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to police.
The officer has been with the department for five years and was assigned to its special operations division.
What did Pharrell Williams say about Donovon?
Williams posted an Instagram picture of Lynch on his page and wrote: “The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure.
“My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings.
“He was a bright light and someone who always showed up for others. It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve.
“Virginia Beach is the epitome of hope and tenacity and, as a community, we will get through this and come out even stronger.”
Fans were quick to comfort the singer in the comments section, with one writing: “So sorry…love and prayers .”
Another replied: “I am so sorry for your loss Pharrell. Praying for you you and your family.”
Dane Damron, head football coach at UVA Wise told 13NewsNow about his relationship with Lynch while he played in the team, saying: “He loved where he was from. He was all about the 757 now. He was a good one.
“My mind immediately goes back to the good times that he had, the young man that he was.
“You have to understand that I was lucky to have him in my life for two years, and I don’t regret that.
Adding: “Be it a kitchen or a locker room or a classroom, Donovan Lynch brought a smile, “Great teammate, great friend, getting a college degree was very important to him.
“He was very fun-loving, very engaging, I don’t think he ever met a stranger.”
Who else died in the Virginia shootings?
Bad Girls Club star Deshayla Harris died after being shot by a stray bullet during one of the Virginia shootings.
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Harris, 28, was tragically caught in the crossfire following a beachfront fight near the Virginia Beach resorts.
The Virginia Beach Police Department said that no one has been apprehended involving Harris’ death.
Additionally, there is no public information on the suspect yet.