Loyal, kind, lovable, and hardworking: those are just some of the words that best describe Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico — the beloved personal assistant to boxing legend Floyd Mayweather — who sadly passed away unexpectedly last week.
The vibrant star wasn’t just your average assistant. She was a key member of “The Money Team” who dedicated her life to working with the five-division world champion for much of his 25-year boxing career. Aside from her work life, she was the bridge to many celebrity relationships even Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee who has credited her for being the person who introduced him to his great friend Floyd — both major supporters of his company. In Lee’s book “God Must Have Forgotten About Me,” he even details the moment Kitchie made the sweet introduction between him and Floyd and how the rest was history from there.
News of her untimely passing shocked everyone especially those close to her as well as her other celebrity friends. While the cause of death has not been determined yet, tributes have been pouring in online. Singer Mariah Carey dedicated a post to Kitchie on Instagram this past Saturday. She shared a picture of them along with the caption that read, “RIP Angel. Love you forever.” Jamie Foxx also paid tribute to her online saying, “I know they say the god doesn’t make mistakes, but come on man, not @ikitchie my heart is shattered. Just saw you two weeks ago. So many questions why… rest beautifully my blessed friend gone too soon gone for no reason.”
Floyd did not see Kitchie as just an employee, but also as family, which is why everyone in his inner circle has also been taking her sudden passing so hard.
Melissa Brim, the mother of Floyd’s oldest daughter Iyanna Mayweather, honored Kitchie with an emotional post. “I just wanted to say how broken my heart is right now,” Melissa began. “You were definitely a blessing in my life & my family’s as well. We were just sitting ringside last weekend laughing & talking about how blessed we were. I think about how much I’m going to miss you & it hurts my heart, even more, to know when KJ goes to his paw paw’s house that he will be walking around looking for you saying ‘Kitchie Kitchie’ he loved you so much & you watched all the movies with him haha. I will cherish all the memories I have you forever! Everyone that knew you LOVED you & I’m praying for your family. You were my courtside, ringside & photo buddy!! I love you & God Bless you RIH 🙏🏾🕊️💔”
In a heartbreaking collage of memories with Kitchie, Iyanna added, “This doesn’t feel real… my heart is so heavy. You were more than just my dad’s assistant you were family. You were the definition of someone with a good heart, you always lifted people up and made them feel good about themselves. Kj loved watching ‘sharkie’ with you. There’s no one like you will truly be missed, love you forever. Rip Kitchie 💔💔🕊️”
More Tributes For Marikit ‘Kitchie’ Laurico
Actor Marlon Wayans who lost his father the same day news broke about Kitchie, remembered his friend by reflecting on their time together:
“My friend… the most loyal loving soul. One of the best souls I’ve met in this journey. You loved every more than you even loved yourself. I’m hurting. Shit don’t seem real. God got you. And I know you got me. Thank you for your love, your smiles, your energy, your positivity, and your loyalty to all of us who were lucky enough to be loved by you. You was an angel in a human disguise. Love you Kitchie… miss you already… ps Look for my Dad y’all will be arriving around the same time. He’ll get you in them heaven gates.” Following his post, even more stars have spoken out to pay tribute to Kitchie.
More On Kitchie’s Passing
While an autopsy is currently being conducted, a statement posted on her official account by her family gave details about her Home-going service/celebration. Kitchie was just 49 years old. She will be greatly missed.