CADET, the talented British grime artist, has died in a horror taxi smash while on the way to a performance in Staffordshire in the early hours of this morning.

Police confirmed the 28-year-old, whose real name is Blaine Johnson, was killed when the Toyota Prius he was travelling crashed into a van at around 1.30am.

17 Credit: Getty - Contributor

17 A statement on Cadet's Instagram was posted this morning confirming he had died in a crash Credit: Instagram

17 This is the last picture Cadet posted on Instagram with the caption 'Home' Credit: Instagram

He was heading to Keele University to perform at the student union's Fresh Friday Takeover with three other people, who were also injured.

Staffordshire Police say they were called to a crash involving a Toyota Prius and a red Vauxhall Combo van on the A531 in Betley.

Despite desperate attempts to save him, officers confirmed Cadet, from London, died at the scene.

Both drivers, a 36-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent and a 22-year-old man from Crewe, suffered serious injuries and taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Three other passengers in the Toyota were treated at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, cops said.

TAXI SMASH

Cadet's heartbroken family confirmed his death in a statement on his Instagram before making his account private.

They said: "We the family of Blaine Cameron Johnson known as Cadet (Underrated Legend) would like to share the sad news that during the early hours of 9th February 2019 he passed away as a passenger in a taxi, en route to a performance.

"Right now we the family appreciate your patience and will share with you any information as and when we can. Thanks for your support in advance.

"Love The Johnson Family #cadetcadet #imbuff #underratedlegend #ripcadet."

My life will never be the same again. I love you and will forever miss you. I cant believe it. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace cuz Krept

He was the cousin of rapper Casyo Johnson, also known as Krept, who shared a childhood photo of the pair together as he paid tribute.

Heartbroken Krept said: "My life will never be the same again. I love you and will forever miss you. I cant believe it. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace cuz.

"You finally started getting the recognition you deserved. Im so proud of you. My left lung. Im devestated and broken right now [sic]".



HEARTBROKEN TRIBUTES

Tributes from other shocked members of the music industry have poured since the tragic news broke early this morning.

Rapper Giggs posted a picture of the artist on his Instagram and wrote: "Proper sad and shocked to hear this. Really sorry to Cadets family man,prayers and blessings to his family at this hard time. RIP CADET."

Example said: "Was chatting to you only last week about how excited you were for some festivals this summer. So much positive energy. Smiling nonstop when I was with you, first time we met I felt as if I’d known you my whole life. Mad humble guy. RIP Cadet".

DJ Semtex shared a video on Twitter, saying: "Cant believe it... I was on stage with him last week. Never seen a man so happy. Everything was working out for him.

"This was gonna be his year. We were plottin [sic] on the best time to do an interview on his next single. Rip Cadet".

Smiling nonstop when I was with you, first time we met I felt as if I’d known you my whole life. Mad humble guy. RIP Cadet Example

Mega So Solid paid tribute, saying: "He brought life & substance to the uk music scene Cadet #RiP"

One fan wrote: "This sudden & unexpected news about Cadet is saddening...life is actually fleeting; Rest in Power Cadet, he was way too young."

Entertainment group The Creatives wrote: "We’re in total shock! Rest in Paradise to UK Rap Superstar Callmecadet.

"Your musical abilities, your flows, concepts and acting levels are forever incredible. All our love & stength towards the Johnson family and his supporters."

Keele University's student union, where he was due to perform, tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that Cadet passed away en route to Keele in the early hours of this morning.

"We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time."



'UNDERRATED LEGEND'

The rising star, who found success on YouTube, was due to perform at Wireless Festival 2019.

Announcing his schedule, the festival said: "The proclaimed 'Underrated Legend', Cadet, stepped into the music scene during the second half of 2015 with a hard-hitting freestyle reaching over half a million views in just a few months.

"This was quickly followed by another heartfelt freestyle, Cadet is tipped for an unstoppable career."

Wireless confirmed today that his slot will be kept on the schedule as a time to reflect on his memory.

They tweeted: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fans of Cadet. Such sad news. We’ll be keeping his Wireless performance as a time to reflect on the memory of Blaine."

Cadet is tipped for an unstoppable career Wireless Festival organisers

Cadet best-known tracks included Letter To Krept, Instagram Girls and Advice, as well as two EPs, The Commitment and The Commitment 2.

He supported Krept & Konan on their The Long Way Home tour, as well as touring with Bugzy Malone.

Cadet last posted on Instagram three days ago when he shared a picture of himself performing on stage, with the caption: "Home."

His management has said they will be releasing a statement later today when they have more details.

A Staffordshire police spokesperson said: "At just before 1.30am on February 9, police were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a silver Toyota Prius and a red Vauxhall Combo van on Main Road, Betley (A531).

"Emergency services attended and a passenger of the Toyota, a 28-year-old man from London, sadly died at the scene. Specialist officers are supporting the man’s family.

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"The drivers of both vehicles, a 36-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent and a 22-year-old man from Crewe, were taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital with serious injuries.

"Three further passengers of the Toyota were treated at Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

"Officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact 101, quoting incident 45 of 9 February."

They later confirmed the 28-year-old to be Blaine Cameron Johnson, aka rapper Cadet.

17 Cadet had been due to perform at Keele University's student union night Fresh Friday Takeover Credit: Keele University

17 Rapper Krept, of duo Krept and Konan, tweeted a childhood picture alongside Cadet as he paid tribute

17 Former footballer and TV pundit Ian Wright paid tribute on Twitter

17 Rapper Mega So Solid paid tribute to the rising star on Twitter

17 Popular artist Giggs said he was 'proper sad and shocked' at the tragedy

17 Crowd Controller said the rap star was 'gone way before your time'

17 Rapper Example paid tribute on Twitter

17 Cadet was known for his storytelling tracks and was much-loved by fans Credit: 2015 C Brandon

17 Big Daddy Kane said he felt 'numb' and 'sick' at the shock news

17 Manny said he 'couldn't stop smiling' at getting a Wireless gig

17 Austin said 'Rest in Power'

17

17 Wireless will keep Cadet's slot on its schedule as a time to reflect on his memory