Rihanna Shaken By Stabbing Of Former Roadie Friend

Rihanna still appeared shaken as she arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday, after learning the news that De’Von Pickett had been stabbed to death.

Pickett, her friend and colleague, had been fatally stabbed at a bar in Philadelphia and Rihanna was photographed heading to JFK Airport in New York hours after hearing the news, appearing visibly upset.

The performer kept on sunglasses and a large coat as she arrived at the airport.

De’Von Pickett, 29, was called Day Day by Rihanna and other friends and colleagues. He died on the way to the hospital and his friend Eric Parker, 27, also involved in the incident, remains in critical condition.

Both were working on Nicki Minaj’s tour at the time, Pickett as her tour manager.

Minaj had confirmed the news on Twitter.

Two members of my team were stabbed last night in Philly. One was killed. They had only been there for two days rehearsing for the tour.

— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 18, 2015

Rihanna herself also social media to pay tribute. She and Pickett had worked together on her “Glow In the Dark” Tour.

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After learning the news, Rihanna evidently lost all interest in the New York Fashion Week where she has been a regular over recent years, and packed herself off to the airport.

Besides Rihanna and Nicki, Pickett also worked with rapper Fabulous, and Britney Spears. A native of the Bronx, Pickett had been in Philadelphia for just two days, beginning rehearsals for Nicki Minaj’s upcoming tour. He took the chance to meet up with friends on Tuesday night.

Together with a group of people, some involved with the tour, and some local, Pickett was reported to have been out drinking. He went from Cavanaugh’s in University City to Che Bar & Grill, a small bar in East Germantown.

A law enforcement source said they knew a bartender and wanted to make sure she made it safely to her car around 2 a.m. It was when Pickett and his friends were waiting beside her car that their attackers approached.

Pickett was stabbed to death and pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m., while his friend remained in critical condition at Einstein Medical Center.

While she may not be short of a comforting arm around her shoulder right now, in the hours and days since, it’s clearly been difficult for Rihanna and others close to the popular roadie to process such horrific details relating to her friend’s death.

[Image via X17online]