Reality TV's Lyric McHenry Found Dead At 26
Reality TV star Lyric McHenry, who appeared alongside former basketball pro Magic Johnson's son EJ Johnson on EJNYC, has passed away.
The New York Daily News reports that New York police discovered McHenry's body on a sidewalk above the Major Deegan Expressway on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018. Authorities told the publication that McHenry had been wearing a pajama top and underwear but no pants when she was found. She reportedly had a bag containing cocaine with her, which has prompted police to believe her death may have been a the result of an overdose.
McHenry, who was 20 weeks pregnant, was transported to Bronx-Lebanon hospital, and it was there that she was officially pronounced dead. Though her knees were reportedly bruised, police said there were no "obvious signs of trauma," according to E! News.
An autopsy has reportedly been scheduled, and police are said to be investigating the circumstances surrounding McHenry's death — specifically, whether or not she was purposely left on the sidewalk.
An unnamed cast member of EJNYC spoke with the Daily News about McHenry's passing, revealing just how shocked they were at the news of her death. "She was an amazing friend, so fantastic. I'm absolutely heartbroken," the person shared. "I'm going to be grieving with the family."
The night before she was found dead, McHenry had been celebrating her 26th birthday with friends in New York City. In her Instagram Stories, she'd tagged the Frederick Hotel, SoHo Grand Hotel, and Dream Downtown while documenting her birthday fun with loved ones, including sister Maya, with whom she'd produced EJ Johnson's show, EJNYC.
On Aug. 6, McHenry's actual birthday, Johnson had wished his friend a happy birthday on Instagram. "Happy birthday to my best friend who has strutted with [me] in princess gowns since day 1," he wrote. "Words cannot express how much I love and appreciate you in my life. Your constant love, respect and companionship gives me the confidence to live my truth every single day and I am so blessed that even as baby divas we recognized the greatness in each other. I love you."
Our thoughts are with McHenry's loved ones during this difficult time.