Photo: Swavy/Instagram
Swavy’s family is calling for “justice” after the 19-year-old TikTok star was fatally shot in Delaware earlier this week.
Swavy, born Matima Miller, died on Monday in a “senseless act of gun violence,” the dancer’s family said in a statement released on his Instagram.
The incident occurred around 10:42 a.m. in Wilmington, according to anews release from the city’s police department. Swavy died of his injuries after he was transported to a local hospital, police said.
“It is with great sadness that we announce Swavy’s passing on 07/05/2021,” Swavy’s family said in their statement. “He was taken away from us due to a senseless act of gun.”
Though the family could not provide additional information about the teen’s death “due to legality,” they said that they are “working diligently to get justice for Swavy.”
“This is just the beginning, we will forever keep his name alive and continue his legacy!” their statement read. “The impact he had on others remains unmatched.”
A spokesperson for the Wilmington Police Department tells PEOPLE on Friday that an investigation into ongoing.
Swavy/Instagram
In the wake of the shooting, talk show hostWendy Williamsis facing backlash over her coverage of Swavy’s death.
“I have no idea who this is,” she began the segment. “Neither does one person in this building.”
After asking her audience to clap if they had heard of Swavy, Williams said, “He’s a TikTok star. He’s got more followers than me — 2.5 million.”
Swavy/Instagram; Paras Griffin/Getty
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Williams then explained that she doesn’t use TikTok before sharing news that Swavy had been murdered.
“Aw, all those followers,” she said. “Yeah, that’s really tragic.”
After the broadcast, many viewers expressed their shock on social media at how Williams covered Swavy’s death. Williams' name began trending on Twitter on Friday after a clip of the segment went viral.
A representative for Williams did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Swavy’s family hasset up a GoFundMe campaignto cover funeral costs. As of Friday, it has raised over $22,000.
source: people.com
