Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh died on Sunday morning following a private battle with cancer.
Abloh, whose impact on sports and culture was immense, had apparently been battling an aggressive form of the disease since 2019.
In a post on Abloh’s verified Instagram account, his family provided some additional details on what had happened.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” the post read. “He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.”
Shortly after news of Abloh’s death broke, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. offered a poignant reaction to his good friend’s death.
“I wish we lived in a world where we could celebrate the living instead of celebrating them when they leave,” he tweeted. “Rest In Peace to my brother Virgil! You were loved.”
Abloh’s silent two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma left many shocked. It also served as an eerily similar reminder of what happened to Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who also had a massive impact on sports and culture.
Beckham often finds himself in the headlines for a lot of unfortunate and sometimes stange situations, but it’s nice that he was able to take a moment to honor his friend in such a respectful and emotional way.
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