Pharrell Williams says Virginia Beach police shot and killed his cousin during a recent shooting

In a very heartfelt Instagram Post, Pharrell Williams announced that his cousin Donovon was shot and killed by police in a Mass Shooting incident at Oceanfront in Virginia Beach.

Pharrell posted an Instagram picture of Donovon, saying this:

The loss of these lives is a tragedy beyond measure. My cousin Donovon was killed during the shootings. He was a bright light and someone who always showed up for others. It is critical my family and the other victims’ families get the transparency, honesty and justice they deserve. Virginia Beach is the epitome of hope and tenacity and, as a community, we will get through this and come out even stronger.

This post came after Virginia Beach Police updated the public on Monday, on the shooting that occurred last Friday.

Police say Lynch, Williams cousin, brandished a firearm as police responded to a shots fired call related to multiple 9–1–1 calls. Lynch was then shot, and killed by police.

The officer who killed Donovon is in Administrative Leave until the end of the investigation. The officer has been with the department for 5 years, and is apart of a Special Operations Team with the department.

A music festival organized by Williams tweeted the following,

We don’t have the words to fully express how sorry we are about the loss of this beautiful life. We thank you and your family for your light and service. The VA Beach community and beyond will miss you. Rest In Peace Donovon.

A memorial is being planned for Lynch at the Oceanfront Tuesday evening.

Friends describe Lynch as as an “intelligent, kind and passionate human being who always made anyone around him smile.”

Lynch also played college football. He was an offensive lineman for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise during the 2017 and 2018 seasons and a 2019 graduate of the school.

As of Monday afternoon, three men had been arrested in connection with the other shootings Oceanfront.