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Since Wednesday night, condolences have been pouring in across social media for longstanding manager of The Roots, Rich Nichols. Although stars and others who knew the outspoken Nichols personally say he’s passed, there have been comments suggesting he may still be alive although quite ill.

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson posted an Instagram photo of a conversation he had with Nichols via text message. In the comments, a user named 2nics80 referred to Nichols as her uncle. Her comments are as follows:

“My uncle is not dead. He is sick, but is still with us. So, please place your energy towards prayers for his wife and sons and family. Thank you. He is off the breathing machine and is own his own per his son Middy, but he is still here. You all just pray for him.”

Baltimore musician John Pinder posted a similar news Thursday suggesting that Nichols is still alive.

“ROOTS Manager and former Husband of my good friend Yvette Matthews, who was my good friend Bobbi Booker’s BEST friend; who passed a couple of years ago…is fading and it’s just a matter of time before he leaves us,” Pinder posted on Facebook.

Despite this, Questlove and a long list of celebrities have been rolling out their own memories of Nichols coupled with their condolences to the Nichols family. A source close to Nichols and The Roots family shared details that also support Nichols still being alive but fighting for his life.

UPDATE:

The Roots confirmed the passing of their dear friend and issued the following statement:

The Roots Family are devastated to announce the passing of Richard Nichols, the band’s longtime manager, after a long battle with leukemia. Nichols, 55, a Philadelphia native, managed the band from its inception in 1992, and was instrumental in every aspect of The Roots’ creative, cultural, and professional life  over the past two decades. Nichols is survived by his wife, Mercedes Martinez, his sons Amiri Nichols and Rakim Nichols, his sisters Rochelle Nichols-Solomon, Rebecca Dennis, his brothers Russell Nichols and Reginald Nichols, and the many individuals and artists he mentored in his lifetime.

REST IN POWER

Photo: YouTube