Former Reality Star Lyric McHenry’s Family Speaks Out After Her Death

Lyric McHenry and Michelle Obama (Credit: Instagram)

One day after former reality star Lyric McHenry died in New York City, her family is speaking out.

“The McHenry Family deeply appreciates the many communications of support from Lyric’s many friends upon learning of her untimely death at approximately 6:00 AM the morning of August 14th, 2018,” her family said in a statement Wednesday to People magazine.

Lyric, who appeared on the E! series EJNYC with Magic Johnson’s son EJ Johnson, was found unconscious on a sidewalk in the Bronx Tuesday after celebrating her birthday on the town. The 26-year-old television personality was pronounced dead at an area hospital a short time later.

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According to published reports, authorities suspect Lyric may have died from a drug overdose. However, her family said it’s too early to speculate about what may have caused her death.

“Despite the speculation in earlier reports, at this point in time the cause of Lyric’s death has yet to be determined,” the family statement continued. “In contrast, what is factual and known is that Lyric who just turned 26 last week on August 6, was a brilliant, creative and lovely young woman who shared a deep passion for writing, film and a long-standing commitment to social justice. She was a Christian who grew up in Los Angeles and attended the Center for Early Education and graduated from the Marlborough School in Los Angeles.”

Lyric’s father, Doug McHenry, is a movie producer whose credits include Krush Groove and New Jack City. Her mother Jennifer is a Hollywood stylist.

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The family statement offered more information about Lyric’s life and career.

“Lyric graduated from Stanford University in 2014 where she studied in Paris, France for a year and spoke fluent French.  She began her career in the entertainment industry as an intern on The Real Hollywood Husbands TV show. Thereafter, she worked at United Talent Agency (UTA) and found her true passion, internet content and went on to work at Refinery 29 and Complex.

“Lyric worked on numerous social justice issues throughout her high school years including volunteering for the Obama Campaign in 2007-2008 at age 15 and again in 2012, both times working on the LA fundraising staff and organizing various campaign events,” the statement added. “Lyric produced and raised funds via crowd funding for her first film which won several film festival awards, and was a Producer and member of the cast of E! show EJNYC.”