Rapper Ortega Henderson, “Tega,” who was a friend of Nelly’s St. Lunatics crew, died from complications caused by gun shot wounds in Wellston, Mo.

Rapper Ortega Henderson, a.k.a. “Tega,” has died after being shot, according to reports. Kyjuan Cleveland, a friend of Henderson’s, said that the rapper was shot May 16 in Wellston, Mo. Tega, described as a promising rap artist who was trying to flee the streets to pursue his rapping dream, succumbed to his injuries at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Cleveland said this in a statement about his friend’s tragic death:

“He got mixed up in the streets, but he was so talented, we thought we could pull him out of it. He was on the right path for a minute, but times are hard and he started getting around the wrong people.”

Tega, who was a member of rap group Da Camp, was in the midst of working on their new album when the shooting took place. Details of the confrontation have yet to be made clear.

Nelly’s label, Blu Bolden of Derrty Entertainment, told the Post-Dispatch:

“He was an aspiring rapper, a really talented guy. He was trying to do his artistry and get out of the streets.”

Ortega Henderson was in a heap of trouble with the authorities before his demise for first-degree felony tampering with a motor vehicle, and unlawful use of a weapon charges.

Any time an exceptionally talented person dies young it is always a shame. What are your thoughts on the life and death of Ortega Henderson?