Music Legend Nat King Cole's Great-Nephew Dead at 31
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Legendary singer, pianist, jazz musician, and actor Nat King Cole's great-nephew Tracy Cole has died. He was 31 years old.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Cole passed away after being attacked and fatally stabbed "multiple times" in the Georgia-located city in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday, Sept. 14. Police confirmed he was taken to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to injuries.
The harrowing event occurred in the downtown area of the 300 block of Centennial Olympic Park NE and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW, with the late musician's family member being officially identified several hours later.
Per the news outlet, no suspect has been apprehended in the case, however, the search for parties involved, as well as a motive, is ongoing.
Cole—who was a valued figure in the Atlanta cigar scene—was the grandson of Freddy Cole, "The Christmas Song" crooner's brother, who was also an accomplished musician, according to WSB-TV.
The self-proclaimed "cigar aficionado," according to his Instagram bio, was spoken highly of by community members and entities, including the social media account of Atlanta Cigar Week, a venue dedicated to cigar enthusiasts. In a post on the platform, they honored the deceased with a heartfelt note offering condolences, alongside a photo of him. "The Atlanta cigar community is deeply saddened by the loss of such a vibrant soul," the caption read, in part.
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Senior Pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church Kevin Murriel also spoke on his character, noting that he "had that personality that just really transcended culture, it transcended race, it transcended class."
He continued, saying the young man "made a friend of everyone" and "just brought an abundance of joy everywhere he went."
Family friend Camille Love also gushed over Cole's personality. “He was delightful, you know? He was just kind, gentle, easygoing. Liked the good life. You know, just an all-around good guy,” she told the television station.
The late Nat King Cole, Tracy's iconic great-uncle, died on Feb. 15, 1965, of lung cancer.
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