Former Rainbow Six Siege pro player and color commentator Michael “KiXSTar” Stockley has passed away. The 24-year-old's family confirmed that Stockley passed away a few days back.
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
The announcement came out on October 13, 2021, but KiXSTar's family shared that the caster has passed away on October 11, 2021. The family kept the cause of death private.
KiXSTar started his esports career as a pro player in Rainbow Six Siege with Team Orbit in 2016, before transitioning to color commentary in 2019. He won an Esports Awards color commentator in 2020 and was nominated again in 2021. Voting for the 2021 awards is currently ongoing.
His loss will leave a gaping gap in the FPS community, both in Rainbow Six Siege, where he grew in prominence, as well as in VALORANT, where he has recently worked on.
The official Rainbow Six Siege Twitter account has shared a short statement regarding KiXSTar's passing. The esports organizers have also decided to postpone the North American League playday and broadcast, revised schedule pending.
— Rainbow Six Esports (@R6esports) October 13, 2021
Various esports organizations and players have shared their condolences to KiXSTar's family.
INTERRO:
I've struggled to put my thoughts into proper words over the last 24 hours. I'm at a total loss. I lost a best friend, a brother, and a coworker. I'm beyond heartbroken. I love you Michael and I'll miss you so much.
— Parker Mackay (@INTERRO) October 13, 2021
G2 Esports:
He was an absolute star and will be sorely missed ❤
— G2 Esports (@G2esports) October 13, 2021
Cloud9:
May he Rest in Peace.
— Cloud9 (@Cloud9) October 13, 2021
Siege.gg:
According to an announcement from his family, professional commentator Michael “KiXSTaR” Stockley has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Read: https://t.co/M1Rwr98gwU pic.twitter.com/AuFxWEn0Pz
— SiegeGG (@Siege_GG) October 13, 2021
In lieu of flowers, KiXSTar's family has asked fans and friends who want to honor his memory to donate to a local food back in his name.