Community mourns the death of Christian music artist Tirrell Thomas
Loved ones and fans are grieving the sudden loss of a young performing artist whose career touched the lives of many.
Tirrell Thomas passed away at the Altona Hospital on July 2, just a few days before his 31st birthday.
Despite dealing with an underlying health issue for years, the rapper and motivational speaker had tirelessly continued to follow his mission to reach as many people as possible with his message of hope.
Close friend Darlene Enns-Dyck said it’s still hard to believe he is gone.
“Tirrell was cherished by many—his family, the music community, and friends. His sudden loss is both shocking and heartbreaking.”
She has launched a campaign to cover funeral and travel expenses for his family.
Originally from Roseau River First Nation, Thomas had big dreams, but they had little to do with money or fame. His passion was helping others believe in the power of God’s love and the strength they have in themselves.
Under the mentorship of award-winning rapper Fresh IE, he became part of the Kingdom Music team and performed over 400 shows throughout Canada and the U.S.
His music resonated with listeners, and he was candid about his upbringing in a challenging environment and his own struggles with addiction.
After graduating from the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in December 2022, the young performer felt recharged and ready to reach out.
When he wasn’t touring, Thomas performed at schools and community centres, telling young people that no matter how dark life may seem, there’s always hope. In fact, the week before he died, he shared his music and his story with students at Altona’s Ecole West Park School.
At the time, Thomas said, “I tell them their journey isn’t over, and just take things moment by moment. I’ve learned that I’m not alone. Life is hard, no matter who you are. Everyone deals with stuff. Just keep going.”
During a recent interview, Thomas reflected on his mission.
“I’ve had so much hardship in my own life, and it was helping others that helped me. We’re all under construction, and God is still working on us.”
Thomas was working on a book and a documentary based on his life and inspirational stories from his travels, as well as a new album with Fresh IE.
“I watched him build his own music and his own name, and it was amazing to watch,” Fresh said.
“I always challenged him and other young men that I work with that we need to be better as men. It’s been a journey walking in life with him and seeing him transition and go through hardships, struggles and victories. I’ve seen his intense passion. Most people who went through what he went through would have given up a long time ago. He had so much passion and determination to make it and to help his family and people in general. That’s one thing I loved about Tirrell. Despite his own hardships, he always wanted to help people.”
Fresh is currently completing the album that Thomas was working on before he died.
“I want to help his legacy to live on with his music.”
He has also organized a live music event in Thomas’ memory, set for July 16 at 7 p.m. at Park Theatre in Winnipeg. The event will feature Fresh, and a variety of other performers.
A funeral service for Thomas took place on July 9 at the Community Exchange in Altona.
