Jon James McMurray, a rapper well known and well respected in his native country of Canada, died Saturday while filming a stunt for his latest music video.
He was 34 years old.
The musician’s management team has confirmed the sad news, saying McMurray lost his life after plunging to the ground while walking on the wing of a plane.
“He died filming a project he had been working on for months,” reads this team’s statement, adding:
“His final act included performing an airplane stunt that included rapping while walking on the wing. He had trained intensely for this stunt.
“However, as Jon got further out onto the wing of the plane, it caused the small Cessna to go into a downward spiral that the pilot couldn’t correct.
“Jon held onto the wing until it was too late, and by the time he let go, he didn’t have time to pull his chute. He impacted and died instantly.”
What a tragedy.
The incident took place in Vernon, British Columbia.
McMurray, who was also an accomplished skier, pursued music after a back injury prevented him from continuing his ski career.
He released an album titled Rex Leo in 2016.
Jon was an incredibly passionate person and was always smiling. He filled everyone around him with positivity, and never spoke poorly about another person. He truly had a heart of gold,” the statement continues.
“Jon would want to be remembered as a beacon of light to follow your dreams, and would want everyone to continue to be inspired through his music and life message.”
According to Newsweek, McMurray’s previous stunt performances involved numerous serious injuries — including seven surgeries, two of which were for a fractured neck and broken back.
Rory Wayne Bushfield, a skier who was featured in McMurray’s video, paid tribute to the late rapper on Instagram Monday.
He wrote the following:
The sun is not as bright today as it was yesterday when it was shinning on my homies last moments.
Jon James Mcmurray, my very best, dearest and oldest friend passed yesterday evening in a skydiving accident.
He was living his ultimate dream, free and full. May he Rest In Peace. I’m gonna miss him so much.
Thanks for all the lessons over the years fee. You where such a good man, you brought up everyone around you and I promise to try my best to live as free as you did.
Jon is survived by his parents, Doug McMurray and Jen McMurray, his wife, Kali James, and his brother Jarred McMurray.
A GoFundMe account has been set up in the rapper’s honor to help fund his celebration of life, as well as to help get his material “out there to the world in the right way.”
“We lost Jon James McMurray yesterday,” the page reads.
“He touched and lifted so many people in his brief stay here. He also documented everything he did relentlessly.
“His close friends and family want to make something incredible with what fee left us. It’s what he would have wanted most of all.”
