Nicki Minaj father
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: Rapper Nicki Minaj is seen leaving the Marc Jacobs Fall 2020 runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

Nicki Minaj‘s father, Robert Maraj, has been killed in an apparent hit-and-run in New York, according to police. The 64-year-old was struck by an unknown driver while walking along a road in Mineola on Long Island at 6.15pm last Friday, revealed Nassau County police. The driver is said to have then driven off on Maraj, who was taken to the hospital before succumbing to his injuries on Saturday.

While the rapper has yet to make a statement about the devastating loss of her father, police have released information in the hope that any witnesses to the fatal collision will come forward. The city’s Homicide Squad is investigating the circumstances surrounding Maraj’s death.

nicki minaj father
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty attend the Marc Jacobs Fall 2020 runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Marc Jacobs)

Minaj, who was born Onika Tanya Maraj, was born and raised in Trinidad before moving to Queens in New York City. She is said to have had a complex relationship with her late father, but this devastating news no doubt comes at a particularly painful time for the star as she expands her family.

The 38-year-old gave birth to her first child with husband Kenneth Petty in September last year. After keeping her young son – whose name has yet to be confirmed – out of the public spotlight for months, Minaj shared a picture to her Instagram with a heartfelt caption in January.

“Thank you so very much for choosing me to be your mama,” she wrote. “Becoming a mom is by far the most fulfilling job I’ve ever taken on. Sending love to all the superhero mothers out there. Big hugs to all the women who have been pregnant during this challenging time.”

Our thoughts are with Minaj and her family.