Nicki Minaj is mourning the loss of her father, Robert Maraj, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Long Island, NY on Friday, a spokesman confirmed. He was 64.
Maraj was hit by a car in Mineola while crossing Roslyn Road and Raff Avenue around 6 p.m. local time, Nassau County Police said.
TMZ reported that witnesses were unable to give authorities an accurate description of the driver who fled the scene.
Maraj was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
Nicki, real name Onika Tanya Maraj, was born in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to Robert and Carol Maraj. Maraj worked as a finance executive and was a part-time gospel singer.
A reported drug addict and alcoholic, Maraj was allegedly abusive to Carol. In an interview with The Sun On Sunday, Carol said Maraj often struck her and the children. He allegedly set the family home on fire after an argument.
Fortunately, Carol sent Nicki and her brother to sleep at a friend’s house the night of the fire, Nicki told Wendy Williams.
Carol, left, moved with her children to the Bronx, NY, when Nicki was five. Nicki didn’t see her father again until she was an adult.
Carol said Nicki’s violent upbringing helped mold her into the strong woman she is today.
Anyone with knowledge of the accident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.