Nick Cannon says he's in a dark place after Ryan Bowers's suicide, alarmed fans say 'it's a cry for help'
Nick Cannon recently posted an emotional and heartfelt post on social media following the death of his close friend Ryan Bowers, a 24-year-old rapper. It is understood that Bowers committed suicide and a distraught Cannon also hinted that he was struggling with suicidal thoughts himself, as his friend's death comes in the wake of the backlash he received for his anti-Semitic comments.
The subsequent controversy resulted in the 'Wild N Out' star being fired from his long term deal with ViacomCBS and he took pains to point out during a recent public apology that "this is only the beginning of my education." However, Cannon's recent Instagram post also showed that he was in a dark place himself and fans started worrying about his mental health and well being.
Cannon seems to have taken his friend's death particularly hard. He posted a picture of him alongside the young rapper on Instagram with a lengthy caption that began, "Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse... 2020 is definitely the most f***ed up year I’ve ever witnessed!" The host of 'The Masked Singer' also admitted that he had been experiencing some torrid times of late, stating "After waking up & barely rising from my own dark contemplation of continuing my physical existence on this planet, this powerful warrior actually had the balls to do it. I’ve said it once and I will say it again, this was the strongest dude I’ve ever met!"
Bowers certainly went through a lot during his short time on Earth, as Cannon explained. He noted, "Just over a year ago a San Diego Police Officer rushed in his home and unjustifiably shot him placing him in a coma for months. I stood by his bedside and promised him that if he made it out & fought the good fight that I would make his dream come true and put his album out and share his story with the world."
Bowers did go on miraculously recover, as Cannon, continued, "He fought and fought, he woke up, they stitched him up, he learned to walk and talk again and within months we were back in the studio recording. Even through his strength, he would whisper to me that 'Everything Still Hurts.' His music was definitely his safe haven and it was amazing. Paying for lawyers, putting money in his pocket, even putting the music together all meant nothing because I feel like I failed my little brother."
Cannon concluded his emotional post on a frustrated note: "We almost made it little bro! But I guess even flying superheroes have to land eventually. But I am certain that your energy will never die and your spirit is eternal, so I ask you still to forgive me for letting you down, Warrior. I can’t help but think if I wasn't so engulfed in my own bullshit I could’ve been there for you when you finally took your life after several attempts... F*** this place!!"
After this outburst, fans were attempting to keep Cannon's spirits up by posting messages of commiseration and support. One follower said, "So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you & his family. But please know that you are loved, respected, valued & needed!" Another alarmed fan posted, "SOMEONE HELP THIS MAN! Don’t just comment if you know him personally GO CHECK ON HIM! BE THERE FOR HIM. It’s hard enough for a man to open up, someone go check on him!!" A fan posted a message of encouragement, saying "We love you so much Nick 🙏🏽 praying for your peace 💕"
Another emotional fan also posted, "I felt that. And I also heard your cry for help. I am no one in the world compared to you, so how can I help you???😢 I can pray for you, and ask God to carry you through your struggles. Because this too shall pass. You will rise from the ashes. You will not let this break you.. too many people depend on you. I hope and pray your friends and family see your cry for help in this post and comfort you, guide you and reassure you."