Kris Kross' Chris Kelly Death: Friends and Family Gather for Rapper's Public Viewing in Atlanta

"To the world he was Kris Kross, but to us he was just Chris." the late rapper's uncle said

By Bruna Nessif May 09, 2013 12:15 AMTags
Chris Kelly, Kris KrossPrince Williams/Getty Images

Chris Kelly's family and friends began the process of saying goodbye to their loved one.

Mourners gathered at an Atlanta funeral home today for the late Kris Kross rapper's public viewing, a day prior to his scheduled funeral service at Atlanta's Jackson Memorial Baptist Church.

"He will be very missed, especially within our family," Kelly's uncle, Lemar Williams, told the New York Daily News outside the Murray Brothers Funeral Home. "To the world he was Kris Kross, but to us he was just Chris."

AP Photo/John Bazemore
AP Photo/John Bazemore

A photo of Kelly was being passed around, with admirers writing messages like "Rest in Peace" and "Keep Jumpin' in Heaven."  Some of Kris Kross' hits played in the background, as guest slowly walked to greet his coffin.

The late hip-hop star's autopsy showed no indication of foul play, E! News confirmed.The cause of death is currently pending toxicology results, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office. 

Police are currently investigating the rapper's death as a possible drug overdose after he was found unresponsive at his Atlanta home on May 1. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead shortly after. 

He was 34.