Fans devastated amid claims Migos rapper Takeoff shot and killed in Houston aged 28

Reports claim Takeoff has died following a shooting in Houston (Picture: Getty Images)

Celebrities and fans have expressed their shock and devastation over reports that Migos rapper Takeoff has been shot and killed at the age of 28.

The hip hop artist, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, is said to have died in a shooting that took place outside a bowling alley in Polk, Houston on Monday evening.

However, Houston Police has not confirmed the identity of the person who died.

Footage of the alleged incident began circulating on social media showing crowds standing around the rapper injured on the floor.

Takeoff’s groupmate and uncle Quavo, 31, can reportedly be seen in the clips at the scene. Initial reports claimed he had also been shot but this was said to be false.

Houston Police tweeted on Tuesday morning: ‘Downtown officers are on a shooting at 1200 Polk. One victim was found deceased upon arrival. #hounews CC9.’

They later added: ‘UPDATE: 2 other victims taken in private vehicles to hospitals. Media partners: We are not releasing an identity of the deceased victim until his family is notified & ID verified by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Any updates on the incident will be posted here.’

Houston Police has not confirmed that it was Takeoff who died (Picture: Wireimage) The 28-year-old rapper shared his most recent Instagram post, a photo of himself, just four hours before the incident (Picture: @takeoff, Instagram) Takeoff and Quavo had been performing as a two-piece act in recent months (Picture: Getty Images)

According to local Houston outlet KPRC, Houston PD’s Lt Salazar said 40 to 50 people were at the 810 Billiards & Bowling when the shooting took place. Salazar also reportedly confirmed that Takeoff and Quavo were at the alley but would not confirmed the identity of the deceased.

Just four hours before the incident took place, Takeoff shared his most recent Instagram post with a photo of himself wearing a white T-shirt, black trousers and a glove on his right hand posted to his stories.

He soundtracked the post to Playboi Carti’s song Stop Breathing.

The person seen lying injured on the floor in the footage appears to be wearing the same clothes as Takeoff in his most recent Instagram post.

It also came hours after he released the music video for his and Quavo’s song Messy.

TMZ is reported to have confirmation of Takeoff’s death but his family and the police are yet to speak out.

Reacting to the claims, rapper Lil Pump wrote: ‘God plz tell me this ain’t true.’

Boxer Chris Eubank Jr tweeted: ‘I remember @1YoungTakeoff being a very down to earth, cool dude. Cant believe I’m having to say this again about another young black star being killed for no reason, something really has to change in the industry, it’s sickening how easy & often people are dying. RIP Takeoff.’

Comedian Lil Duval said: ‘Smoking one for takeoff.’

Dating guru and author Toni Tone also wrote: ‘Devastating news this morning. My thoughts are with Davido and Chioma, as well as Takeoff’s loved ones.’

One fan paid tribute and said: ‘Takeoff just rapped, chilled and minded his business. And he loved what he did. He loved Hip Hop. You didn’t need to be a fan of his work to respect his energy. 28 is so young. He had his whole life ahead of him. And now he doesn’t.’

Takeoff is a member of rap group Migos alongside Quavo, real name Quavious Keyate Marshall, and Offset, real name Kiari Kendrell Cephus.

They rose to become one of the most successful rap acts of the past decade with hit singles including Bad and Bougee, MotorSport, Stir Fry and Walk It Talk It. They have collaborated with artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B – who is married to Offset – and Travis Scott.

Quavo and Offset also enjoyed a major hit with their Versace collaboration which featured Drake.

Migos featured Quavo (l), Offset (centre) and Takeoff before their split earlier this year (Picture: Getty Images For Activision )

Two of Migos’ albums, Culture and Culture II, reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 200 chart, while their 2016 breakout hit Bad and Boujee topped the Hot 100.

However, Migos split earlier this year with Takeoff and Quavo parting ways with Offset and going on to perform as a two-piece under the group name Unc & Phew, in reference to their familial relationship as uncle and nephew.

Explaining why they cut ties, the pair said on Revolt’s Big Facts podcast: ‘We stand on real deal loyalty, and sometimes that sh*t ain’t displayed.

More: US Showbiz news

‘This ain’t got nothing to do with no label, no paperwork, no QC, nothing. This got something to do with the three brothers. And s**t, it is what it is. Right now, we gon’ be the duo ’til time tell.’

Metro.co.uk has reached out to representatives for Takeoff for comment.

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