As news breaks that R&B star Kelis Rogers' husband Mike Mora has died, tributes are pouring in for the father-of-two.
A statement released by the Milkshake singer's management confirmed the star's passing on Monday and read: "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."
As well as being a proud father and husband, Mike was also a respected creative and packed so much into his life, which has now tragically been cut short.
Life with Kelis
Mike married singing sensation Kelis, 42, in 2014.
The pair met after the Trick Me star split from rapper Nas, with whom she shares a son, Knight.
Mike and Kelis welcomed a son Shepherd in 2015 and a daughter in September 2020, whose name has not been revealed.
The couple had been living on a remote farm in Temecula, California, outside of Los Angeles since January 2020, which they managed together.
Mike's Instagram posts often showered his talented wife with love.
In one pic he shared at the end of February last year, he showed off a stunning black and white photo of the singer, with the caption: "Happy wife, happy life".
Talented photographer
As well as working in real estate, Mike was a talented photographer and often shared examples of his portrait and lifestyle shots on his Instagram account.
Said to be self-taught, the star created a striking social media platform - mikemorafotos - which has more than 14,900 followers and remains active.
Mike has shared some of his best work on the page, including stunning portraits of Kelis.
The star continued to share the photographs he had taken until January this year, with some of them documenting his journey with cancer.
How did he die?
Mike sadly died after losing his battle with stage four stomach cancer.
The photographer took to Instagram in September 2021 to reveal his diagnosis, admitting it was spreading to the lymph nodes in his back.
Mike decided to keep his battle private until he felt ready to share the devastating news.
At the time, the star said his symptoms started with the 'worst pain' in his stomach.
He also revealed that in September 2020, around the time his daughter was born, he’d been told by doctors he had 18 months to live.
“Life is full of the most unexpected situations,” he wrote in October 2021. “I never thought this could happen to me. At just 36, with three kiddos, and a wife that loves me.
“I want to be able to help those that might be experiencing something like this – a life-altering disease full of questions and doubt – maybe, hopefully. By showing that it’s possible to make it through.
“You always see people post about how life is too short. How you should reach out to those you love no matter where life has taken you. It is the truth. Don’t take your time here, your time with friends, family, for granted. S**t can be over just like that!”
Tributes
Music producer Dallas Austin, who was the mastermind behind Kelis' Trick Me, paid tribute to the star, writing: “All I can say is that we LOVE YOU DEARLY Mikey,” followed by a red heart emoji.
Photographer, Brian Bowen Smith also shared a heartfelt tribute.
He wrote: "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 began.
"Reminds me of me. Sending love to his wife and family. Mike had been sick for a minute but he loved being on set. Today we will be thinking of you at every frame. Great example of why you need to live every day to the fullest.
"And be great full for every day your here. Love you MM. Way to soon. He was an amazing photographer and would have gone far. Sweetest guy I ever met. check out his page @mikemorafotos."
Mike's wife Kelis has yet to publicly comment about the devastating loss of her husband.
