17 years have passed since Big Proof passed away. On April 11, 2006, Proof was shot three times by Mario Etheridge, once in the head and twice in the chest, after a dispute broke out during a game of billiards at the CCC Club on 8 Mile Road in Detroit.
A pool game between Proof and Keith Bender turned into a heated argument and then escalated into a physical altercation. Etheridge, who was Bender’s cousin, fired a warning shot into the air. There have been many conflicting reports about Proof and Keith Bender’s roles in the shooting, but it was reported that Proof then shot Bender in the head during the altercation.
Bender was not immediately killed by the gunshot but died a week later from his injuries. In response to Proof shooting Bender, Etheridge then shot Proof three times, once in the head and twice in the chest, killing him at the scene.
On April 19, 2006, a service for Proof was held in the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit to a full house of 2,660 people, including life-long friends Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″, 50 Cent, and thousands more mourning outside.
To honor the life of Detroit’s Mayor, his son Nasaan dedicated a heartful letter to his father on Instagram. “Felt like I needed you more than ever in my life this last year. I’m doing a lot of this s–t on my own and getting it done no matter what, which I know you would be so happy about. Thank you, I love you. I’mma continue to make you proud. THE BIGGEST. RIP LEGEND.” he wrote.
Royce 5’9″, Bizarre of D12 and Lazarus have all sent heart emojis in the comments section. You can check the post below:
View this post on Instagram