Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pharrell Williams pays tribute to cousin Donovon Lynch after he was fatally shot by officer at Virginia Beach

‘It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve’

Clémence Michallon
New York City
Tuesday 30 March 2021 12:04 EDT
Pharrell Williams performs at the Astroworld Festival on 9 November 2019 in Houston, Texas
Pharrell Williams performs at the Astroworld Festival on 9 November 2019 in Houston, Texas (SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Pharrell Williams has shared a tribute to his cousin Donovon Lynch, who died after being shot by an officer at Virginia Beach on Friday.

Several people were injured and two were killed during three separate shootings near the Virginia ocean front on that day. Lynch was named as a victim who was fatally shot by a police officer, and Williams later identified him as his cousin.

“The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure,” the artist wrote on Instagram next to a photo of Lynch.

“My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings. He was a bright light and someone who always showed up for others. It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve.

“Virginia Beach is the epitome of hope and tenacity and, as a community, we will get through this and come out even stronger.”

The Virginia Beach Police Department has confirmed that Lynch died in an officer-involved shooting, and said in a recent statement that a criminal investigation is ongoing.

Police Chief Paul Neudigate said during a press conference that there is no bodycam footage of the incident. The officer was wearing a bodycam, he said, but “for unknown reasons”, it was not activated.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in