Following the shock news yesterday (7th September) that US rapper Mac Miller had died at the age of just 26, his family have released a statement to the press.
The statement read, 'Malcolm McCormick, known and adored by fans as Mac Miller, has tragically passed away at the age of 26. He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans. Thank you for your prayers. Please respect our privacy. There are no further details as to the cause of his death at this time.'
Last night, reports of Mac's death first emerged when TMZ reported law enforcement officers told the publication that he was found at his San Fernando Valley home and pronounced dead at the scene.
The County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has now released a statement about Mac's death saying, "In the late morning of September 7, Malcolm McCormick was found unresponsive.... authorities were called and Miller was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:51 (18:51 GMT).
"At this time, an autopsy is pending and a cause of death has not been determined."
Mac Miller was a well-known rapper and had just released his latest album 'Swimming' in August this year, with the intention to tour next month. Some of his most recent social posts were promoting his new tour saying, 'I just wanna go on tour'.
In May this year, Mac split up from his girlfriend Ariana Grande. After a number of rumours, Ariana later released a statement about the relationship saying they'd split, but describing the rapper as one of her 'best friends', going on to say, 'I respect and adore him endlessly and am grateful to have him in my life in any form, at all times regardless of how our relationship changes or what the universe holds for each of us!'.
Since the shock news of his death, many celebrities have been paying tribute to the rapper, with Shawn Mendes saying, 'Unreal. So sad. RIP Mac Miller ❤️'.
Fellow rapper Post Malone also took to Twitter to say, 'God f--king dammit. You were such an incredible person. You changed so many lives. Had so much love in your heart. You inspired me throughout highschool, and I wouldn't be where I was today without you. Never a more kind and sincere and beautiful person. I f--king love you mac.' [sic]
Many other celebrities and fans have also been paying tribute.
Our thoughts are with Mac's family and friends at this difficult time.