LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 14: Rapper Flavor Flav poses in front of a menu on the wall of his Flavor Flav House of Flavor Take Out Restaurant on March 14, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Flav is holding the official grand opening for his new eatery on March 15. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. — The entertainment world is in shock following the death of legendary rapper and television personality Flavor Flav, who passed away Tuesday afternoon in a swimming accident at Smith Mountain Lake. The 66-year-old icon, known for his role in the influential hip-hop group Public Enemy, was confirmed dead at the scene after failing to resurface during a swim.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were called at around 3:30 p.m. to Three Point Isle Drive in Penhook. Witnesses said a man had jumped from a boat and attempted to swim to shore, but never made it. The man was later identified as William Jonathan Drayton Jr., known worldwide as Flavor Flav. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, though no foul play is suspected at this time.
Flavor Flav rose to prominence in the late 1980s as the high-energy hype man of Public Enemy, alongside frontman Chuck D. Known for his iconic clock necklaces and booming catchphrase “Yeah, boyeeeeee!”, Flav helped redefine hip-hop’s visual and sonic style. Public Enemy received multiple Grammy nominations and was lauded for its politically charged lyrics and groundbreaking sound.
Beyond music, Flavor Flav became a television sensation in the early 2000s with reality shows such as The Surreal Life, Strange Love, and Flavor of Love. His quirky, charismatic persona brought him a new wave of fame, winning over fans with his humor, heart, and unpredictability. His legacy spans not only music but television, fashion, and cultural commentary.
Born March 16, 1959, in Roosevelt, New York, Flavor Flav was a father to seven children. His family and representatives have not yet issued a public statement. Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from across the globe, with fans and fellow artists expressing heartbreak and gratitude for the joy and energy he brought to the world.
A second water-related incident was also reported Tuesday at Halesford Bridge in Moneta, involving a person who was airlifted to a hospital. Authorities have not confirmed whether the two events are connected. As the investigation continues, the world mourns the loss of a cultural icon who left an unforgettable mark on generations of music lovers.
