An underground trailblazer in hip hop entertainment news has passed away. Raysean Autry, a co-founder of the popular website Kollege Kidd, died Dec. 29 in the hospital after battling a case of “Covid pneumonia.” He was only 34.
At the time of Raysean’s passing, his twin brother and business partner, Richard Autry, was admitted into the hospital and is currently battling Covid in ICU. Family members confirmed Raysean’s death and Richard’s hospitalization on Facebook.
“Praying for my cousin Patrick Autry for the loss of his son Raysean Autry. And continue to pray for the complete healing of Richard Autry. Our family is being hit very hard,” said Chevene Bostic.
According to younger brother PJ Taylor, the Kollege Kidd founders had left Los Angeles to visit family in Toledo, Ohio for the holidays when they came down with the virus. The Autrys had been in the hospital for about two weeks. The twin brothers were on the same hospital floor. Family members did not want to tell Richard that his brother died to prevent an adverse reaction that would weaken him.
KollegeKidd.com was constantly updated by the two brothers with news stories on breaking news, music videos, and even civil rights issues. The website amassed over one million readers and garnered a successful social media following.
According to sources, the brothers started the website on Nov. 11, 2011 after graduating from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, where they made their imprint as film producers known as the Write Brothers, and started the Collegiance Network Television (CNTV), a college news platform. Richard gained experience in the field of journalism as an intern at the Wall Street Journal and Toledo Free Press reporter. Raysean interned with CNN.
The last post on the Kollege Kidd Instagram profile was made on Dec. 17. Fans have gathered on the post about Jay Loud to send their condolences.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Raysean Autry, filmmaker and co-founder of the Chicago blog Kollege Kidd,” said Chicago digital media platform The Tribe. “Raysean died after contracting Covid-19. We send our condolences to his family and friends…Raysean’s brother Richard is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment for Covid.”
Raysean’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Toledo on Jan. 10. Rest in peace.
