The father of Nicki Minaj, Robert Maraj has sadly passed away after being involved in a hit and run accident in New York, aged 64.

The reports of Robert's death have been confirmed by a representative for Nicki Minaj as well as a spokesperson for the Nassau County Police Department.

Robert was walking along a road in Mineola, Long Island at around 6.15PM on Friday when he was hit by a car and the driver refused to stop, according to Nassau County Police.

He was then taken to hospital and pronounced dead on the following day. The police are now asking for any witnesses of the event to come forward and provide information.

Nicki Minaj, 38, was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and raised in Queens, New York. She has not yet spoken publicly about her father's death.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nicki Minaj and her family during this time.