Tributes are being paid to photographer Mike Mora, husband of singer Kelis, following reports of his death at 37.
Mora had been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer in 2020 and had shared a series of posts about his treatment on Instagram last year.
Kelis’s management confirmed the sad news in a statement to US showbiz news outlet Entertainment Tonight.
“Sadly, it’s true that Mike Mora has passed away,” the statement said. “We would ask all to respect Kelis and her family’s privacy as of right now. Thank you.”
Kelis and Mora married in 2014 and had two children together, as well as her eldest son with her first husband, rapper Nas.
In January 2020, before his diagnosis, Kelis spoke in an interview with the Guardian about their life on a remote Californian farm, saying she and Mora looked after the land together.
Mora often shared pictures of the star, best known for hits including Milkshake, Trick Me, Caught Out There and Good Stuff, on his Instagram page, as well as photos of animals on the farm.
Kelis has not commented publicly on his death.
Photographer Brian Bowen Smith was among those paying tribute to Mora, sharing pictures on Instagram and writing on Monday: “Saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Mike passing away last night.
“Working with you was such a pleasure. I loved all of your questions and your passion for your family and photography.”
He finished his post describing Mora as “an amazing photographer” who “would have gone far”, and encouraged his followers to view his work.
