Riky Rick dead at 34 – Family Values rapper died after suffering ‘chronic depression’ over death of his dad

Family Values rapper Riky Rick revealed he was suffering chronic depression in the years leading up to his death while dealing with the loss of his father. In previous interviews, the South African musician spoke of struggles with alcohol, turning to therapy and feeling a yearning to be accepted. AFPThe rapper died in Johannesburg, his family said[/caption] FacebookThe 34-year-old previously spoke out about struggling to accept his dad’s loss[/caption] FacebookHe shared he was grieving and acknowledged in interviews the difficult time[/caption] Today, his family today confirmed the 34-year-old had died suddenly. Riky Rick, whose real name is Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, said he had turned to therapy over the past couple of years to help process his dad’s death. In 2020, he said he found himself on a “destructive path” while suffering from “chronic depression”. He also detailed problems with alcohol and had sought help to process the challenges he was facing. In an interview in 2015, Riky said he was the type of person with a lot of symptoms of personal trouble. He said: “Even though at school I was always the quiet kid, I always had to be…always had to act out in some sort of way to be recognised…But in reality, I just wanna be quiet. “I was always trying to be an accepted character.” Most read in The Sun RIP OLIVE On the Buses and EastEnders star Anna Karen dies in house fire aged 85 ENDER KEEGAN EastEnders Keegan Baker star Zack Morris exits and has filmed his final scenes JET TERROR Elton John in terrifying mid-air drama when private jet breaks down at 10,000ft SHOE-LY NOT I named my daughter after a pair of TRAINERS - she rolls her eyes but I love it BABY PINK Nicole Scherzinger answers pregnancy rumours as she dances in tiny pink bikini 'not ashamed' I was so skint after EastEnders I had to sell my house, says Jacqueline Jossa He leaves behind his wife Bianca Naidoo, two children, mother, and five siblings. The 34-year-old’s cause of death has not been revealed. A statement on behalf of the family read: “Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (23rd February) in Johannesburg. “Affectionately known as Riky Rick across the globe, he was deeply loved by his family, friends and the entire entertainment industry. “His love for family, friends, and community is well known. Riky’s nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented and will forever be remembered.” His death comes after a mysterious final tweet he shared at 3.20 on Wednesday morning just hours before his death. PA:Press AssociationThe 34-year-old’s cause of death has not been revealed[/caption] You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123 Movember, www.uk.movember.com Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm