"Cha Cha Slide" creator DJ Casper has died aged 58, his wife confirmed.
DJ Casper, whose real name was Willie Perry Jr., famously created the hit dance craze in 2000 but revealed that he originally made it as an aerobic dance for his nephew, who worked at Bally's Total Fitness. It unexpectedly took off upon release and was regularly played at stadiums, sports events, and even the Olympics.
For the late DJ, "Cha Cha Slide" became something everybody could follow and do.
DJ Casper's Cause of Death Revealed
CBS News and other multiple media publications dropped the breaking news Tuesday, although DJ Casper's cause of death was not disclosed at first.
The songwriter's wife, Kim, soon confirmed to ABC 7 that her husband passed away after his long battle with kidney and liver cancer, which he had been carrying since 2016.
Tributes poured following the emergence of the saddening news, with producer and promoter Magique telling everyone to "slide to the left" in his memory.
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"Loved by millions, he was a wonderful family man, caring and giving to the community," the music events organizer said, per Thirteen.
Fans also took to Twitter, now X, to remember DJ Casper's life and legacy following his brave battle against cancer.
"RIP DJ Casper, the creator of The Cha Cha Slide," one said. "That man had a hand in making many family reunions, BBQs, dances, weddings, sporting events & other events fun with his song. I was literally just singing it yesterday with my brother playing around."
Xaviaer DuRousseau, who said that the songwriter was a close family friend to his mother for decades, sent his condolences to DJ Casper's bereaved loved ones.
DJ Casper Talked About His Health Before Death
Prior to his passing, the famed performer notably kept his positivity amid his grueling health battle that led him to lose 180 pounds. He also asked people to continue dancing the "Cha Cha Slide" as he faced the challenging phase in his life.
In his interview with ABC 7 Chicago prior to his demise, he disclosed that he was diagnosed with two forms of cancer - renal and Neuroendocrine - in 2016. He underwent surgery during which his doctors discovered that the kidney was connected to the main artery, leading them to push back the procedure and try treatments instead.
DJ Casper still had a scheduled appearance at the Popworld Festival in Leeds, UK, this month and was touring in the months leading to his death.
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