Pat Stay, a Canadian battle rapper, was stabbed to death in Nova Scotia at the age of 36, according to police.
According to a news release from Halifax Regional police, the rapper, whose real name is Patrick Wayne Stay, was found by police in downtown Halifax shortly after midnight on Sunday with stab wounds. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later passed away, according to the police.
According to the police, an autopsy by the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service revealed that homicide was the cause of death.
Police in Halifax Regional said they were looking into the homicide but had not yet made an arrest. During this trying time, police said, “our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
Stay gained popularity as a battle rapper, in which two rap artists trade insults and barbs in front of an audience.
When word of his passing spread, other rappers showed their respect, including Eminem, who tweeted: “One of the greatest battlers in hip-hop history passed away. KINGS NEVER DIE. RIP, @patstay “.
Stay was mentioned by fellow Canadian rapper Drake in an Instagram story. Drake wrote on Instagram, “RIP to the Sucka Free Boss.. One of my fav rappers ever.”
A GoFundMe was created in Stay’s honor to support his family, and it has already raised more than $100,000.
“We are setting up this fund to help raise money for our fallen brothers family,” the fundraiser read. “He has been taken from the world far [too] soon and many will be devastated forever. Pat Stay was a very honorable man who was on his way to a bright future. Our heart hurts for his family and friends at this time so we hope to help ease some of the pain by ensuring his family has help through this process.”