Virgil Hunter NOT dead, death hoax spreads after Keyshia Cole's adoptive father dies
When news broke that Keyshia Cole's father had died, many assumed it was her biological father, Virgil Hunter. This led the boxing community to mourn the loss of the famous coach. However, it was later revealed that it was Keyshia Cole's adoptive father Leon Cole who had died.
Keyshia’s adoptive mother, Yvonne Cole was the one to break the tragic news of Leon's death from Covid-19 complications in an announcement posted on her Facebook page. “With a heart of sadness and sincere condolences, we solicit your prayers for Dr Yvonne Cole and the Cole family in the passing of Mr Leon Cole, Jr. You are welcome to leave your prayers and any heartwarming messages as they deal with the passing of Mr Leon Cole Jr, due to Covid-19 complications. We appreciate the support for the family around the world," she wrote in a social media post.
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The news about Leon’s death comes months after the singer’s biological mother, Frankie Lons passed away earlier this year.
Fans pay tribute to Keyshia's adoptive father
One of Keyshia's fans tweeted: "@KeyshiaCole I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father!! I’m praying for you and your family during this difficult time!!" which was reposted by the singer with a grateful "Thank You."
Another fan added in the comments section, "My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, May God cover you and keep you during your time of bereavement." A third noted, "I’m so sorry to hear that Keyshia, my prayers to you and your family." One more said, "Sending you & your family some comfort, strength and healing. It's the days ahead that Strength will become your Savior. #StayStrong."
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father, May God cover you and keep you during your time of bereavement🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/CVJAbhUC21
— Yolanda Simmons (@Raleighfinest50) November 16, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear that Keyshia, my prayers to you and your family ♥️
— xoPrettyGangxo (@QueenIsTheNamee) November 15, 2021
Sending you & your family some comfort, strength and healing. It's the days ahead that Strength will become your Savior. #StayStrong
— Shawnnya Kristen Colby Thomas (@ShawnnyaKristen) November 15, 2021
Who is Virgil Hunter?
Virgil Hunter is a boxing coach who was selected to receive the Futch–Condon Award for the 2011 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). When Keyshia was 34 years old, she found out that Hunter was her biological father and the two met for the first time in May 2016.
At the time, the singer had also opened up about this on her social media. She wrote: “While in NYC I was overwhelmed with emotion, I explained while on stage at the Barclays, the situation I was faced with at that moment, which was, my father and I finding our way to each other, After 34 years. I knew at that time, a paternity test was in place, well the results are in, and this is my father. His name is Virgil Hunter, and at this present time, I’m in Oakland spending time, getting to kno him! The story behind this is beyond me!!! God has his hands all in this!!! I’m so excited, So excited with taking this a day at a time!!!” The two had tried to connect to each other then. However, it is unclear where their relationship stands now.
Keyshia had mourned her mother's death
In July 2021, Keyshia revealed that her biological mother had died in an Instagram post. She did not shed light on the cause of death. She wrote: “This is so hard man. Can’t really even find the words. SMH. I honestly don’t even know how to feel. You can never prepare for something like this… Ever!!! but you will be missed. It’s crazy because… For weeks I’ve been quoting you, from the goose that laid the golden egg, to calling Neffe shoes slow burners, cause they were bought scuffed up already your humor was unmatched!!! Naturally so funny, that’s what I loved about your personality…. we all did.”