Source: @louie_rankin / Instagram
The dancehall and acting community lost a beloved figure in
Louie Rankin. Rankin, who is best known for roles in the films
Shottas and
Belly, has reportedly succumbed to injuries he suffered in Ontario, Canada with early accounts stating he was in a car accident.
Rankin played Teddy Bruckshot in
Shottas and Ox in
Belly, roles that highlighted Rankin’s menacing looks and gravelly patois. Away from acting, Rankin was also a deejay (rapper in dancehall reggae) who scored a massive hit in the 1990s, “Typewriter,” and referred to himself as the “Orginal Don Dada.”
According to what has been posted previously online, Rankin was born St. Thomas, Jamaica, and raised between Rockfort, Warika Hill and East Kingston. He was still active in music and film in the past years according to his
Instagram page, and Rankin looked to be well connected in his adopted home of Toronto as evidenced by the outpouring of love via his public
Facebook page.
It appears that Rankin was involved in a crash in Melancthon Township, 68 miles west of Toronto, on Highway 89 according to an
IHeartRadio report, but details are scant beyond that. His official Twitter page also shared news of the unfortunate passing.
On Twitter, fans are gathered in mourning and tribute to the actor and musician. We’ve captured some of those responses below.
Rest Powerfully in Peace, Louie “OX” Rankin.
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Photo: Instagram
