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January 15th, 2010
12:58 PM ET
Haitian hip-hop artist, charity worker found dead after quakeJimmy O, a well-known singer and songwriter in Haiti who also was active in hip-hop artist and philanthropist Wyclef Jean's charity, is dead. Jimmy O, 35, was crushed in a vehicle during the 7.0-magnitude earthquake, apparently while he was driving in downtown Port-au-Prince. CNN was on the scene when his body was discovered Friday. A man examined the body and pulled from one of the victim's pants pocket the artist's passport. CNN saw the document, which verified the man was Jimmy O, whose legal name was Jean Jimmy Alexandre. Jimmy O's family and agent, who were on the scene, also verified his identity. "His loss will be tremendous in Haiti," said the agent, Henry Robert Dominique. Dominique said Jimmy O helped run Yele Haiti, a grass-roots charitable organization established by Wyclef Jean in 2005. And as a musician, Jimmy O helped develop new talent and artists in the impoverished nation, Dominique said. Jimmy O's mother, wife and two of his three children wept at the scene. They were joined by a crowd that had gathered, also struck by emotion over the loss of Jimmy O. Yele Haiti's goal has been to restore pride and hope to the Haitian people through projects that will allow citizens to ultimately help themselves, such as the creation of scholarships, support for the arts, food distribution and emergency relief. The organization served the poorest of the poor in Haiti, Dominique told CNN. In its first year, it provided scholarships to more than 3,600 children. Within 72 hours of the earthquake, Wyclef Jean had mobilized on social networking sites to raise money for relief aid.
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Is there any good haitian music?
like some great hip hop artists?
something really good to dance to.....?
http://jh3.appealtextparliament.com
I would let to send our prays out to the familys of the deceased and missing family members in Haitia and also to Jimmy O's family members and Wyclef Jean. Some people should realize, that this is not a time to throw slans, but time to pray for one another.
Prayers with the families, friends and co-workers of Jimmy O
This hip-hop artist was a good friend of Ramone who stayed at our home last summer. He was also a peace maker with his hip hop songs. what a loss!!!!!!! Vaya con Dios Dorothy
In this time of despair and grief let us not be swayed by the lack of knowledge from a few. Stay strong Haiti for God is with you. Be blessed my family for the sun will shine!!!!!!
I'm putting out a challenge to everyone who reads this who possibly can, to donate one days' wages to the relief efforts.
I'm adding an extra day of work to my week to do it; come on world let's reach out our hands to Haiti every one of us has the power to change the world. Use it!
My prayers go out to Wycliffe familia. . Also to the families that are going threw the hardest time. . Wycliffe made a change in the hip hop world taking it his style all across the globe. ..in are hearts you well always be here.. much love.
good bless you Jimmy-O
Jimmy OJ and Jean r da same people.
..re: Bo Johnson's IDIOTIC/INSENSITIVE remark. Not surprising, Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson pretty much made some similar comments..how this is somewhat God's doing, due to Haitian's pact with the Devil...
and these are people who consider themselves Christians? Well like my favorite T-shirt says : The Christian Right is Neither!!
What a load of BS!!! These self professed christian leaders should be gathering their "flock" to help support, volunteer, raise funds, donate $ to this horrible suffering people in Haiti are going thru....but instead, they choose to BLAME them instead..like they brought this on themselves. It was an EARTHQUAKE you morons!!
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti. May God (the non-vengeful one) keep you in his blessings.
Riccismiles, Haiti is so poor that a few dollars would go a long way. It will come back to you, hopefully sooner rather than later. Good luck!
I'm not a haitian but my heart weeps for them, i dont have a dime to give but i can give my time and service to go to haiti. i dont care how long it takes but let me know if there is a chance for that.
I am a Jamaican, but I know in my heart that when our ancestors were taken from the Motherland, they separated us, placed us on different lands, mothers from daughters, sons and fathers; yet the bond we share remains unbroken. You are my brothers, my sisters, my aunts and uncles, my grandmother, my grandfather, my heart, my family, my long lost blood and I weep, mourn and pray with you in your hour of need. You will rise again because you are a mighty people. Your courage, strength and resilience resonates with your brothers and sisters around the world and no matter where the may have taken us, be it Haiti, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, the Americas, Jamaica, Canada, England, whever, we are still ONE and a might y people. Up you mighty people. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Be encouraged in the Lord our God.
I think its very insensitive to say God the event in Haiti is God purnishment to that nation. The sun of the love of God that shines on all makes no distinction whether ye be black, white, rich, poor, rightious or evil. God's protection is shared upon all. We need to take advatage of it and live by His laws. We should know that no amount of sin these people commit will take the pain of the slavery suffered by them in the hands of the west. Its also important to note the difference between the actions of hip hop artist and hip hop as an artistic form of expression. People always express themselves positively and negatively in many forms and hip hip is one of those case. Please take note o ye men of little sense.
It says comments will be reviewed and deemed appropriate before posting, however someone made a comment above that was certainly not appropriate "Thank GOD, hip hop is S___, do not feel bad as GOD is taking care of things the ignorant "MEN & WOMEN in power of the world could not". If this individual is implying the people of Haiti and their familes or anyone else in this world would deserve this horrific tragedy, then may God have mercy on your soul. God Bless YELE, the RED CROSS, and other organizations reaching out to the Haitian people during their time of need.
It is a great loss when anyone who has the kindness and selflessness to give of himself to the betterment of others passes.Pat Robertson says Haiti had it coming because of a pact with the devil,I think it happened because God was running low on Angels.
I pray that the creator of Heaven and Earth will bring healing to the land of Haiti, for we are one people one destiny.
One Love
Yeah I think the "typo" is a non-issue right now.
People are dying and we have morons trying to correct grammer! God help us! Are you guys working with the "Faux" News Network?
Bo Johnson who wrote: "Thank GOD, hip hop is S___, do not feel bad as GOD is taking care of things the ignorant "MEN & WOMEN in power of the world could not)!!!!!!"
You are an insensitive jerk who clearly is out of touch with the "Christian" mission statement. It is unfortunate that we are similar in DNA, as you do not represent the voice of a true human being. Personal tastes aside, the fact that you would suggest that Jimmy O is better off dead because he is a hip-hop artist just exposes your level ignorance and lack of compassion. You are not a "Christian," but what waste of matter. Go buy the audio version of the Bible, as you have clearly demonstrated that you cannot read or comprehend it's intended message.
The article makes perfect sense. Wyclef and Jimmy O are two different guys. Read more slowly. RIP Jimmy. . .
Excuse me, I meant to say the fourth person to comment, Bo Johnson.
I can't believe someone would post some non sense about how hip hop is ____ and God is taking care of it. So you don't like hip hop, millions do. What world are you living in Bo Johnson? A world full of death, destruction, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. You blame the evil in the world on God? What God would do something like that? It's Mother Nature Bo, not some superpower in the sky trying to kill off hip hop. How pathetic you must be.
It annoys me that everyone here is complaining about writing style when the first person to comment on this article basically said that God is destroying Haiti to get rid of evil hip-hop. How about we get mad at him instead of the guy reporting the news? I mean, it's just a thought, but maybe grammar is more important than racism. I don't know.
Reading comprehension, people. Its not difficult. There's nothing inconsistent about the article.
I would like to thank cnn for all their help.
whats more important, grammer in a sentence or the loss of life in Haiti? you people need a life. I mean a life.
The first sentence needs clarity, but the last sentence is perfectly fine as is. You all are the ones who don't get it...It says WYCLEF JEAN had mobilized on social networking site..not Jimmy O....It's really not that hard to understand...
More importantly, my thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people and those of Haitian descent.
Hey Einsteins!! The Jean who mobilized within hours was Wyclef Jean, who's organization Jimmy O was active in. Jimmy O's full name of Jean Jimmy Alexandre was only referenced once but he mainly was called Jimmy O. Jean is a popular first and last name in Haiti. My heart goes out to his family and all the people in Haiti. Our prayers continue to flow to you.
@Brett and Chris, Wyclef Jean is not Jimmy O. Wyclef Jean mobilized relief aid, not Jimmy O. The sentence is correct and does make sense.
RIP and God bless the love one's he left behind. My prayers goes out to his family and friends.
For Chris/Brett – the 'Jean' in that sentence is not Jimmy O – it is Wyclef..as in Wyclef Jean
Molly, Wyclef Jean was not killed, but Jimmy O who ran his Yele Haiti non-profit was killed.
Wyclef Jean reported on the day that the quake hit that he did not know if Jimmy O was alive or not.
For those strange "non-readers", JIMMY and JEAN are two totally different people. SO, the last sentence is 100% correct. HOW about posters CHECK YOUR POSTS for intelligence before posting?
My heart goes out to Haiti. Sadly, my good old unemployed American wallet can only send a few bucks.
Wyclef is not the person who died. Jimmy O died. Wyclef founded the charity that Jimmy O actively supported.
Hello, read the first sentence, to understand the last sentence. Jimmy O, a well-known singer and songwriter in Haiti who also was active in hip-hop artist and philanthropist Wyclef Jean's charity, is dead.
Within 72 hours of the earthquake, Wyclef Jean had mobilized on social networking sites to raise money for relief aid.
That's terrible, I'm crushed.
The writer is referring to Wyclef Jean as "Jean" and Jean Jimmy Alexandre as "Jimmy O." So, it is, in fact, possible that Wyclef (Jean) raised the money.
"How could he be mobilizing relief aid if he was killed? (i.e. the last sentence of this article makes no sense).
Moral: Proofread your articles before posting."
Chris -
Jimmy O died. Wyclef Jean mobilized relief aid.
Moral: Learn to read.
They didn't mean Jimmy O. They mean Wyclef Jean, who started the charity that Jimmy O worked for. Usually journalists use last names not first names.
People please read the article carefully. Jimmy O is the man that was killed. "Jean" refers to the other artist, Wycle Jean; he is the one who was organizing relief.
wyclef jean did not die, jimmy o died...the article makes total sense, you just need to pay attention or possibly re-read before posting comments. Sure, I am not familiar with this man's work either, but if he was important to anyone, than it was a tremendous loss for someone. Please use your brains folks
Either he did this right before he died, or the Jean they are referring to is Wyclef Jean.
There are two "Jean"s in the story – Wyclef Jean (who is very much alive) and Jean Jimmy Alexandre, also known as Jimmy O (who tragically died).
I assume that the Jean who "mobilized on social networking sites to raise money for relief aid" is Wyclef Jean.
Chris & Brett
.Wyclef Jean is the one who mobilized relief aid, not Jimmy O.
Hey idiots–read the last sentence. The person mobilizing is Wyclef Jean. He is not the person who is dead. The person who is dead is Jimmy O. There are multiple hip-hop artists out there who are from Haiti. Get it right before you post your insults next time.
When they use the name "Jean" with reference to the charity, they are referring to Wyclef Jean. Not Jimmy O.
Chris: You should read the article more closely before criticizing.
"Within 72 hours of the earthquake, Jean had mobilized on social networking sites to raise money for relief aid."
Jean as in Wyclef Jean. Very much alive and involved in the relief efforts.
Moral: Make sure you know what you are talking about.
This goes to show we are not perfect people even CNN...
You people are idiots. Clearly this guy is not the only person named Jean. So with a little intuitive thinking, you realize Wyclef Jean was doing the mobilizing within 72 hours.
The Jean CNN is talking about is Wyclef Jean.
They are referring to Wyclef Jean.
----–
How could he be mobilizing relief aid if he was killed? (i.e. the last sentence of this article makes no sense).
The name Jean is referencing Wyclef Jean, not the victim. Read the article more carefully before you post complaints about proofreading, Chris.
Wyclef Jean is alive. Jean Jimmy Alexandre is not
Chris, the article is correct. The Jean the article refers to in the last sentence is Wyclef Jean, who started the Yele Haiti organization. The man who was killed was Jean Jimmy Alexandre. Journalists use last names, not first names.
@Molly –
My apologies for including you. You were correct in your statement.
@Chris, Molly and Brett
Wyclef Jean was moblilizing aid within 72 hours of the quake. Not Jimmy O. The sentence is fine.
RIP, so much sorrow
God Bless him and all of the people hit by this devastating event. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sorry to hear that... watched him with Larry King on Tuesday night and he mentioned that he was searching for this gentleman, that nobody had heard from him. I'm sad it turned out this way.
His amazing music will be missed. Wait, who is this guy?
RIP JIMMY
too many jimmys too soon.
How could he be mobilizing relief aid if he was killed? (i.e. the last sentence of this article makes no sense).
Moral: Proofread your articles before posting.
Is it that you all dont want to release how much money Yele has raised or are they not releasing the information to you all? Because I see where you have listed in other articles, the dollar value of contributions given to other agencies.
My heart hurts...but I know the Haitians are resolute to come out of this as a people with a Strong government of their chosing.
This doesn't make any sense. How did Jean mobilize on social networking sites within 72 hours of the earthquake, when he was killed in it?
check your first sentence for clarity.
"Jimmy O, 35, was crushed in a vehicle during the 7.0-magnitude earthquake, ..."
"... Jimmy O, whose legal name was Jean Jimmy Alexandre."
"Within 72 hours of the earthquake, Jean had mobilized on social networking sites to raise money for relief aid."
!!!???
R.I.P. Jimmy O...
I saw Wyclef on CNN talking about how worried they were about his safety....
I am sorry to hear this.
i feel sorry for my people i am a haitian i live in new york for 30 years i want yto send my prayer to all my people god bless.
We have lost a priceless humanitarian, social soldier, artist, and friend that will be irreplaceable.
Joe Mignon
Sak Pase Music/ Yele Haiti
My heart goes out to his family and to all the Haitians affected by this tragedy.
My God, man you are right, RIGHT, RIGHT
It seems that he ones that do good and try to make this world a better place are taken out in their prime. Why? As I read the story of this young man we must not mourn on his death but, continue what their mission was. This soul will be missed and I pray for his family as well.
It seems no one could escape this event. I will pray for his family.
It is never good news to have lost any body far less a well known name like his in Haiti, rest in peace brother.
Wycleff was on Larry King talking about trying to find Jimmy the night the earthquake struck...I'm soo sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.
May he rest in peace!
Rest in peace Jimmy O.....may your voice be heard with the angels now.
people like this die and rush limbaugh is alive.Some of the puzzles in life. May his sold rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people who is affected by this tragedy.
this is really crazy i feel really bad for them i wish it never happened to them.i dodnated food and i feel happy about that.
this is so sad!!!!
Oh wow, I know who he is. I'm quite familiar with him and sorry to hear such a loss.
Very unfortunate to hear, sorry.