The Heartbreaking Death Of Kelis' Husband Mike Mora
Iconic singer Kelis is in mourning following the passing of her beloved husband Mike Mora, at the age of just 37. Steve Satterhwaite confirmed the devastating news on behalf of Kelis' representation, Red Light Management, in a statement to Entertainment Tonight. "Sadly, it's true that Mike Mora has passed away. We would ask all to respect Kelis and her family's privacy as of right now. Thank you," Satterhwaite said. Mora had been battling stage 4 stomach cancer for a while.
Tributes immediately poured in for the photographer, with the couple's mutual friend Evan Ross writing on social media, "We lost a brother Yesterday. We will truly miss you Mike. Thinking of some of the great times we all spent together." Ross added, "You and @naztokio recording me at @dallasaustins studio in Atlanta. First time I had ever really recording a record in the studio. You made it feel easy and safe. Everything I saw you do. Was built in passion. I loved connecting again with you."
Kelis and Mora shared two children, and Ross ended his post by wishing their family all the best. The couple welcomed a daughter in September 2020, while son Shepherd was born in 2015. Kelis has another son with ex, and fellow rapper, Nas too.
Kelis's husband had been battling stomach cancer
As People notes, Mike Mora had been keeping fans updated on his battle with cancer on social media, after initially sharing his diagnosis publicly in September 2021. Mora originally thought he had a stomach ulcer, after experiencing excruciating pain in both his abdomen and lower back, as well as a significant loss of appetite. He was diagnosed in 2020, and the deadly disease soon spread to the lymph nodes in Mora's back.
Just a few months ago, Mora admitted in a post that he "never thought this could happen to me. At just 36, with 3 kiddos, and a wife that loves me." He opened up about his struggles in the hopes others who were similarly suffering might get help sooner. Mora also encouraged everybody to hold their loved ones close, noting, "Don't take your time here, your time with friends, family, for granted. S*** can be over just like that!"
One of the talented photographer's final posts on Instagram was a stunning monochromatic shot of Kelis herself, striking a pose on the family's farm outside Los Angeles. They relocated in summer 2020, per Harper's Bazaar, with professionally-trained chef Kelis looking to dedicate more time to her second passion. The rapper described them as "proud agriculturists" at the time. Mora frequently shared shots of their bucolic lifestyle on social media.