Nicole Scherzinger is calling for anyone with information about the death of her cousin to come forward.
The X Factor: Celebrity judge is currently mourning her cousin, John Boy, who she says died in a hit-and-run in Fort Lauderdale, Florida over the weekend.
Posting a photo of her late family member on Instagram, she described his death as a “nightmare that we will never be able to wake up from”.
She wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I say goodbye to my beautiful cousin, John Boy. This past Saturday, October the 26th at 3am, his life was taken by a hit and run in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
“Though I must take comfort in knowing that he is at peace with our Lord, I also know the agony our family is going through, knowing someone hit him head on and just left him there to die.
“My sweet cousin, I love you so much. This world was a better place with you and your kind, creative heart in it. We will never forget you and will carry you with us forever.”
Nicole added: “My family and I are pleading for any information which could help support the investigation into the tragic death of this incredible man. I ask that whoever did this, has the dignity and strength to come forward. Our God is a loving and forgiving God, but I pray for justice for John Boy and closure for my family.”
She ended the message using the hashtag #JusticeForJohnBoy.
Among those to post tributes in Nicole’s comments were actor Jamie Foxx, who wrote “God bless”, while model Tyson Beckford sent the former Pussycat Dolls singer some praying hands.
Nicole can currently be seen on the judging panel of the celebrity version of X Factor, marking her third stint on the ITV talent show.
She is joined by X Factor staples Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh, and is currently mentoring the over 25s category, which includes journalist Martin Bashir, football legend Vinnie Jones and The Chase star Jenny Ryan.