TORONTO — Actor and musician Louie Rankin has died, according to TMZ. He was killed in a car crash.
The Associated Press reported that Rankin, whose real name was Leonard Ford, died at the scene when his car crashed with a transport truck, according to Ontario Provincial Police Const. Shannon Gordanier. The driver of the truck wasn't harmed, officials said.
A spokesperson for Rankin confirmed the death on Twitter.
It saddens us to have to announce that The “ORGINAL DON DADA” “Trail Blazer” the legend - Louie Ox Rankin passed away this morning! May God keep his soul with his father, sister and neice in #heaven #amen #sipox
— Teddy Bruckshut (@LouieOxRankin) October 1, 2019
People reported that Rankin said on Instagram he was filming a movie in Canada the day before the crash.
It's not clear what year he was born, but the actor is from Jamaica and has notably appeared alongside DMX and Nas in the 1998 drama "Belly."
“Great working with this man,” Nas wrote on Instagram of Rankin. “A legend. In ‘Belly’ you stole the show.”
He was a prominent musician in the dance hall scene. The Source reported his most successful single, "Typewriter," was released in 1992 and earned him a Grammy.
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