Rapper JayAre of the group Cali Swag District died over the weekend from complications of Sickle Cell Anemia. The 25 year old was reportedly admitted into a hospital on Thursday and went into cardiac arrest. The group, Cali Swag District, is best known for their international hit song “Teach Me How to Dougie,” which was accompanied by a popular dance.
JayAre, real name Cahron Childs, is actually the second member of Cali Swag District to pass away. In 2011, fellow group member M-Bone was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles.
Surviving group member, Smoove Da General, commented, “Sickle cell took my brother away from me today. With that being said I’m proud to know that with that disease he made the best of his life. I just saw my bro literally fight for his life. I told him ‘I love you bro’ hope’n he heard me.”
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), each year, about 1 in 500 African Americans are born with Sickle Cell Anemia and about 1 in 12 African Americans have the sickle cell trait. The disease causes red blood cells to become C-shaped, making them hard and sticky. This, in turn, causes major blockage in small blood vessels.
