Prince’s Drummer John Blackwell Jr. Dead At 43 After Battle With Brain Tumor

John Blackwell Jr., popularly known as Prince’s drummer, is dead.

Blackwell’s wife, Yaritza Blackwell, announced his passing on his Instagram account on Monday. “My husband incredible drummer John Blackwell Jr. passed the way peacefully in my company today. Thanks God for his life and thanks everyone for their support. Yaritza,” she wrote.

READ: Top quotes and sayings from the music legend, Prince

Blackwell, who was 43 years old at the time of his death, joined Prince on his numerous tours. He played the “Little Red Corvette’s” drums for over a decade, TMZ reported. The cause of death remains unknown, but Blackwell’s battle with a brain tumor was not a secret.

Last year, he underwent a series of tests at a hospital in Japan. Yaritza also set up a GoFundMe page last July to help the family cover his medical expenses. The page raised over $78,000.

Just four days ago, Blackwell’s wife shared an update about his health on Instagram, where she said she was still hoping for his recovery. In the same post, she thanked everyone who helped, prayed and donated. “This whole year has been very challenging not only for John, but for me also, that have to provide the care he needs, and with the help of God, you as donors, and his doctors, nurses and therapists he is still fighting hard to get better,” Yaritza wrote.

She added that Blackwell had been transferred to a rehab facility and will continue to receive physical, occupational and speech therapies. The recovery process would be long. “I pray God for John everyday, every hour... and thank you for your prayers, donations and for the good thoughts for John,” she continued.

Before Blackwell met Prince, he was a drummer for Patti LaBelle for three years. He featured on her 1998 album “Live! One Night Only.”

During his decade-long working history with Prince, he was featured on two of his releases. He was part of 2003’s instrumental “N.E.W.S.” album and the “Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas” DVD, Billboard reported.

In addition to Prince and LaBelle, Blackwell also worked with other musicians throughout his career. In 2006, he toured with Justin Timberlake for his “FutureSex/LoveSounds” album.

According to TMZ, Blackwell’s interest in drums was inspired by his father, who was an accomplished drummer himself. He started playing the drums when he was only 3 years old.

Do you have words of comfort for Blackwell’s family? Share them in the comments below.