“Black Ink Crew: Chicago” stars are mourning after one of their own, tattoo artist Fly Tatted, reportedly passed away recently.
Information regarding the circumstances surrounding his apparent death is scarce. Fly’s, born Elijah, passing was initially said to have been by suicide, but there were rumblings on the internet suggesting that that might not be the case and his cast mate Ryan Henry confirmed that he died by homicide. Tributes from fans and peers have already begun pouring in on social media.
Prior to Henry clearing up the misinformation surrounding the tattoo artist’s death, he shared a heartfelt post to Elijah on his Instagram page based on the initial news that he died by suicide. “@fly_tatted1 … I loved to see your growth, and I hated to see you fall with the weight on your shoulders, cuz you knew what you had to fight through,” Ryan began his lengthy post alongside a clip of the two at Fly’s birthday event.
He continued, “I hate how we ended when I believed in you to make it through your troubles and I had to turn my back for how bad it got… I still believed you was smarter than the streets. Rest Well young fella. No more Pain. my condolences to your Family. Fly high lil Moe. ✊🏾”
Charmaine Bey also spoke of Fly’s death, writing, “I wish I woulda got you help young blood before it was too late.” She added, “Rip @fly_tatted1 so sorry I didn’t help you when it was obvious. I pray that all your worries, fears, and anything you was dealing with has been free’d from you. May you Rest In Peace.”
Chicago rapper Dreezy tweeted, “Mannn Rest Up to Fly Tatted! When both of my Bestfriends passed he tatted both their names on me. Damn near all my tats.” She added, “I’m hurt 😔.”
Other fans of the VH1 reality show sent their condolences to those close to Fly, including one fan who wrote, “This is so sad 🥺 he always said he never wanted to fall victim to the streets like his brother did smh.” They added, “May he Rest In Peace 🙏🏽🕊.”
“Damn he was so young at that his work was amazing,” another expressed. “Smfh sad to see him leave this world at a young age.”
Fly Tatted joined the cast of “Black Ink” last season and was liked by many. Aside from being a very talented artist, Fly was very transparent and often spoke on the show about his past legal issues. He’d often express wanting a better life for himself. This story will be updated as more information is released.
