On Monday (Sept. 30), famed actor and Grammy Award-winning dancehall artist Louie Rankin died in a car crash in Ontario, Canada. According to TMZ, details on how the crash occurred have yet to be made public, but it involved Rankin’s car and a “transport truck.”
Per Heavy, the crash occurred around 9 a.m., 70 miles outside of Toronto. In a statement issued to Global News, Dufferin Ontario Provincial Police Constable Shannon Gordanier said, “Both vehicles were single occupants—one person in each vehicle. We’re waiting for the traffic collision investigation team to attend the location and help us determine exactly what did happen. We’re not speculating at this time.” The driver in the other vehicle endured minor injuries.
After news of his death was made public, Rankin’s estate issued a statement confirming his passing. “It saddens us to have to announce that the ‘ORIGINAL DON DADA’ ‘Trail Blazer’ the legend – Louie Ox Rankin passed away this morning! May God keep his soul with his father, sister, and niece in heaven.”
It saddens us to have to announce that The “ORGINAL DON DADA” “Trail Blazer” the legend – Louie Ox Rankin passed away this morning! May God keep his soul with his father, sister and neice in #heaven #amen #sipox
— Teddy Bruckshut (@LouieOxRankin) October 1, 2019
In 1992, Rankin (born Leonard Forbes) commanded the attention of music lovers with his hit single “Typewriter.” From there, the Jamaica-born entertainer performed on the silver screen in legendary roles such as Lennox a.k.a. Ox in Belly, and Teddy Bruckshut in Shottas.
The music community from Pete Rock to Shaggy expressed their condolences on social media. Rankin’s wife, Julie Sykes, paid tribute as well. The legendary artist is also survived by his seven children, three of which he and Sykes share. Days before his passing, the 66-year-old shared that he was filming a movie and a new album on the way.
R.I.P. TO A LEGEND! REST EASY LOUIE RANKIN pic.twitter.com/SZdkqZIF8v
— PETEROCK.COM (@PeteRock) October 1, 2019
Rest In Paradise Louie Rankin 🕊 pic.twitter.com/7Ms1Uyivzt
— DJ First Class™ 🏁 (@1DJFirstClass) September 30, 2019
#RIH the original Don Dada @louie_rankin #belly #louierankin pic.twitter.com/kX1B2GEIpC
— Twista Summer 96 mixtape Out Now (@TWISTAgmg) October 1, 2019