Rainbow 6 Caster KiXSTAr Dead at 24 After Car Crash

Rainbow 6 caster Michael "KiXSTAr" Stockley died in a car crash on October 11 (Monday). The news was confirmed by his mother via her social media, and a statement from his family was released recently. He was 24 years old.

The statement was also shared by Stockley's former casting partner Parker "Interro" Mackay on Wednesday, who said Stockley "passed away unexpectedly".

"On Monday, October 11 Michael "KiXSTAr" Stockley passed away unexpectedly. He had so much planned for the future, and he was looking forward to working with so many of you," read Stockley's family's statement, made by his mother and stepfather.

A statement from the family of Michael "KiXSTAr" Stockley (March 9, 1997 - October 11, 2021) pic.twitter.com/wcxeK38wQn — Parker Mackay (@INTERRO) October 13, 2021

His family said Stockley worked hard to lift up the Rainbow 6 Siege community, and in turn "so many of you" lifted him up as well.

"We are grateful for the love and support that we have experienced from so many of you. Keep it going, pay it forward, and keep lifting each other up," the statement read.

The official Rainbow 6 Siege esports Twitter handle also sent their condolences, saying Stockley was one of the bright lights of the Siege community and he will be missed.

"Out of respect for Michael and his friends and colleagues, we have chosen to postpone today's North American League playday and broadcast," the tweet read.

Stockley began his career as a pro player in March 2016 with Team Orbit. Shortly after, he transitioned to casting, lending his voice and talent to various Rainbow 6 Siege tournaments.

He was nominated and won the Color Caster Of The Year award at the Esports Awards 2020 for his efforts and was nominated again this year in the same category.

Many are sending their condolences on social media and remembering KiXSTAr for his kindness and love for the community. The family asks instead of flowers to please send a donation to your local food bank.

"He invited me to the caster desk at SI 2020. He greeted me, asked me about my ambitions, and encouraged me to give casting the best shot I could. 18 months later, he was giving me wardrobe advice and helping me through my first live event. I will never forget this man. Ever," said Rainbow 6 caster and analyst Jacob "CaliberJacob" Anderson.

Rainbow 6 Siege and Valorant host Loviel "Velly" Cardwell said the news of Stockley's death hit him extremely hard.

"When we lived in Poland, I was new to R6 and faced a ton of criticism. We sat down during lunch one day and he spoke to me about my future in the scene and he believed in me. He stopped me from quitting," he said.