Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Former basketball player, who NBA starKevin Durantreferred to as an “adopted brother” was killed early Thursday morning.
At around 1:17 a.m., Clifford Dixon was out celebrating his 32nd birthday with friends when he was shot multiple times in the parking lot of SL Lounge in Atlanta, Chamblee Police Department said in a press release.
Shortly after the incident, emergency responders arrived on the scene and “administered aid,” before Dixon was taken to Grady Hospital, where he later died.
According to police, the gunman fled the scene and Clifford’s death remains under investigation.
Hours before being gunned down, Dixonexpressed his excitementfor his birthday celebration on Instagram writing, “We litty tonight” over a promotional club flyer with his photo on it.
The comment section of his post has since been flooded with condolence messages.
Clifford Dixon.Prince Williams/WireImage
Durant’s motherWanda Durantreleased a statementon Twitter, mourning Dixon’s death.
“The Durant family extends our deepest condolences & prayers to Cliff’s mother, siblings, family & friends,” Wanda, 49, wrote.
“Our family was an extension of his & we shared wonderful memories. His transition is an incredible loss for all of us who loved him, he will be missed dearly.”
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When Dixon was a child, Wanda took him in and he lived with their family,The Oklahomanreports. Durant, who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors, and Dixon were inseparable ever since.
Durant, 30, has not publicly addressed his childhood friend’s death.
Dixon, who was born in Maryland,played for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppersbeforeplaying overseasfor clubs in Mexico, Austria and Brazil,The Atlanta Journal-Constitutionreports.
Erica Mena Samuels/Instagram
In addition to his relationship with Durant, Dixon datedLove & Hip Hop: New YorkstarErica Mena.
“We all deal with so much. You dealt with a lot,” Mena wrote over the post.
“I’m so sorry this happened, you didn’t deserve this. Rest in forever peace, Watch over your blood sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and your mommy. I know they are so broken right now,” Mena added.
source: people.com
