Quality Control Music, Takeoff’s music label has uploaded a statement on Instagram stating that the rapper, known as Kirshnik Kari Ball, was shot in the head during an altercation at Houston’s 810 Billiards & Bowling early Tuesday morning.
In a Tuesday night message, the label said that they were grieving the loss of Kirsnick Khari Bal, also known as Takeoff. “Senseless violence and an accidental bullet have taken another life in this world, and we are devastated.”
The label asked the public to respect Takeoff and his family’s privacy while they mourn. Houston police officers have yet to confirm details regarding the gunshot that killed Takeoff, the 28-year-old superstar. They only stated that there was an argument that escalated to the point that at least two shots were fired from the entrance to the downtown bowling alley’s third floor. The shooting took place after a private event at 810 Billiards & Bowling. It was surrounded by 40 people or more.
“I don’t want to speculate, but based on what people say about Takeoff, he’s respected, nonviolent,” said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner during a Tuesday afternoon press conference. “We have no reason to believe he was involved in anything criminal at the time [of the shooting].”
Houston police continue to search for tips and information as to who fired the shots that ended Takeoff’s life.