2022 has been a tough year for the entertainment industry both locally and internationally as we’ve lost many of those who’ve gifted us with their artistic talents — some to suicide.
Although life seems perfect for many of our stars when you’re on the outside looking in, the reality is that some of them spend years battling depression, stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.
While others are living with these conditions, others succumb to them and we hope they are resting peacefully.
RIKY RICK
The rapper, actor and fashion icon Riky Rick (real name Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado) reportedly took his own life at age 34 on 23 February.
The Sondela hitmaker, who allegedly hanged himself in the early hours of Wednesday morning, was a father of two and had been in a long-term relationship with Bianca Naidoo, whom he called his wife.
Riky had previously spoken about his battle with depression in his interviews and according to Sunday World, he left a note to his children and Bianca.
“I’m sorry for being the one who gives up but the pain I feel is too much to deal with. The voices in my head have never gone away,” the letter read in part.
CHESLIE KRYST
Former Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst took her own life at the age of 30 after jumping from her high-rise New York City apartment on 30 January 2022.
Although the beauty queen reportedly left a suicide note in which she instructed all her possessions to be left to her mother, she did not reveal a motive for the suicide.
In February, the New York Department confirmed that Kryst’s death was by suicide, Variety reported at the time.
TUMI TLADI
The South African hip-hop community suffered yet another loss on 10 July when rapper Tumi Tladi passed away.
A close friend and a police officer reveal to Sunday World that the 30-year-old Basadi hitmaker committed suicide by gassing himself. This is after Tladi’s family speculated that the rapper might have been murdered as they said he wasn’t suicidal.
PATRICK SHAI
The former The River actor committed suicide in January. He was found hanging by his wife, Mmasechaba, in their Dobsonville home.
Patrick Shai’s passing came a few days after social media backlash following a video of him challenging rapper Cassper Nyovest to a boxing match. However, at his funeral, his widow said that it was not social media that contributed to his decision.
NAOMI JUDD
Renowned American singer and actress Naomi Judd committed suicide on 30 April this year. The 76-year-old was also famous for her country music act duo with her daughter Wynonna called The Judds
Her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Ashley Judd, and a report, which was obtained by the Associated Press, indicates that Naomi Judd died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in her Tennessee home.
In other news – ‘Don’t push the young lady’: Twitter mocks AKA over his video on a balcony with Kairo
South African hip hop star, AKA gets trolled for decorating his balcony with his daughter, Kairo Forbes by his side. The rapper shared a video of himself decorating the balcony for Christmas with Kairo, but many didn’t perceive the video as a father and daughter moment.
The video reminded people of AKA’s former girlfriend who committed suicide by jumping off the balcony of a tall storey building where they lodged together. Learn More
