Magic Johnson Honors Influencer Lyric McHenry After She’s Laid To Rest: She Was Like A Daughter To Me
The world lost a talented producer and YouTube activist when 26-year-old Lyric McHenry was found dead in the Bronx, NY on Aug. 14, but Rich Kids of Beverly Hills star EJ Johnson lost something even more precious: a lifelong friend. His father Magic Johnson honored Lyric one day after her funeral on Sept. 5 with a devastating tweet.
“Yesterday was a difficult day as we laid to rest Lyric McHenry, a daughter to Cookie and I and best friend to EJ,” he wrote. “We’ve known Lyric since she was a baby and shared many lifelong memories with her and her family. We were blessed to witness her become a caring and brilliant young lady. Her talent was special and her potential limitless. She will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace.”
Yesterday was a difficult day as we laid to rest Lyric McHenry, a daughter to Cookie and I and best friend to EJ. We've known Lyric since she was a baby and shared many lifelong memories with her and her family.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 6, 2018
For his part, EJ has kep quiet about the loss of his close friend. On Aug. 27 he finally spoke out. “I’m going to make this clear to everyone,” EJ wrote in the comment section of a recent selfie in response to fans asking for a comment. “There will be no mourning post because I’m not going to reduce a 25 year friendship to one Instagram post. Please respect my privacy and my process.”
EJ shared a very sentimental birthday wish for his pal one week before her death, which clearly shows how much love he has for her. “Happy birthday to my best friend who has strutted with my in princess gowns since day 1 @lyric_leigh words cannot express how much I love and appreciate you in my life,” he wrote. “Your constant love, respect and companionship gives me the confidence to live my truth every single day and I am so blessed that even as baby divas we recognized the greatness in each other. I love you ❤️ #leoseason #teamthis.”
Hollywood is still reeling form the devastating news. The web star was allegedly found half-naked with no pants on, and had a ziplock bag filled with cocaine on her person. Police are investigating whether she was dumped on the side of the road after overdosing. She was allegedly 20 weeks pregnant, according to authorities.
“On Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at approximately 0505 hours, police encountered a 26-year-old female, unconscious and unresponsive, lying on the sidewalk in the vicinity of Undercliff Avenue and Boscobel Place,” NYPD told In Touch. “There were no obvious signs of trauma observed. EMS responded to the location and transported the aided female to Bronx Lebanon Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Besides just being good friends with Magic Johnson’s son, she and her sister Maya also produced his show EJNYC, which lasted one season on E!. She was also the daughter of producer Doug McHenry. Lyric gained attention for her Lingo with Lyric series on Refinery 29‘s YouTube channel, in which she broke down phrases like “post-racial.” Lyric was also a Stanford alum.
It seems like Lyric was out celebrating her birthday on the evening before her death. In Instagram Stories from the hours before she allegedly died, Lyric could be seen enjoying time with friends at Frederick Hotel, SoHo Grand Hotel, and Dream Downtown. In the last snap, she was leaning on a man’s shoulder as he said “it’s her birthday!” and she blew a kiss. Employees from the Frederick told Radar she was “a lovely woman.”
Lyric’s sister Maya was also with her that night, posting on Instagram from the bar, and saying Lyric looked “so dope” and that they were “turning up” for her birthday. Earlier in the day, Maya posted a photo of Lyric with the caption, “she always shows up for me” with a heart. So far, Maya and Doug have not spoken out.
Our heart goes out to Lyric’s friends and family in this devastating time.
