OG Maco dead: Rapper dies aged 32 after weeks in hospital from gunshot wound as heartbroken family pay tribute

RAPPER OG Maco has died aged 32, just weeks after being found with an apparent gunshot wound.

The U Guessed It star had been rushed to hospital on December 12, leading to swirling death rumors that had been squashed by his family.

He died last night around his family in a LA hospital, reports claim.

Maco, whose real name is Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., was found unresponsive in his home in Los Angeles in December, according to New York radio station WQHT.

The rapper, 32, was found with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, AllHipHop reported.

He underwent emergency surgery, and Poppa Perc, the rapper's manager, told AllHipHop at the time that Maco was on "life support, still fighting."

"They are doing multiple tests on his brain and trying to let the swelling go down a bit, let his head heal a little bit, so they can do a procedure.

"Only immediate family is allowed at the hospital, but we've been getting updates.

"I thought he was dead when I first saw him," the manager said upon finding the rapper unresponsive.

"We were about to rebrand and drop [new music] under a whole new alias," he added.

"We need everyone's prayers, but don't get your hopes up."

The family of the rapper broke their silence about the death rumors surrounding the artist at the time, saying he was "continuing to fight".

But now OG Maco's family have confirmed his tragic death.

In a statement, the late star's family said: "With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco.

"His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love.

"Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact."

OG Maco first appeared on the rap scene in 2014 with his smash debut single U Guessed It featuring 2 Chainz.

Maco, who was born in College Park, Georgia, was featured on XXL's annual Freshman Class in 2015.

He graced the hip-hop magazine's cover alongside Fetty Wap, Glizzy, Ince Staples, K Camp, and DeJ Loaf, among others.

However, Maco's ascend was derailed following a car accident in 2016 that left him with several severe injuries.

Maco suffered a cracked vertebrae, heart palpitations, broken orbital, and multiple skill fractures.

"I feel ALIVE!!! Thank God I ain't too cool for that safe belt," the rapper wrote on X after the accident.

And in 2019, he was diagnosed with a rare skin condition.