Fashion designer Virgil Abloh has died of cancer, aged 41.
The influential figure founded the label Off White and was artistic director of Louis Vuitton.
He passed away today, November 28, following a two-year cancer battle.
Tributes are already pouring in for the ‘genius and visionary’ designer and father of two, who has been described as ‘a man with a beautiful soul’.
Virgil ‘valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer’ in private for several years, it was announced today on his social media profiles.
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The statement on Virgil’s Instagram account reads: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
Virgil Abloh. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
“He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
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“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.
“Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,” believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.
“We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.
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“Virgil Abloh, September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021”
A statement from Bernard Arnault, CEO of the LVMH group which owns Louis Vuitton, says: “We are all shocked after this terrible news.
LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years. pic.twitter.com/CytwZLvSFu
“Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.
“The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend.”
Davide De Giglio and Andrea Grilli from New Guards Group (which owns Off White) said in a statement: “Virgil was a genius, a visionary but most of all he was family.
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“There are no words to describe the loss that his passing leaves in our lives. His legend, his love and his spirit will remain with us forever.
“Thank you for changing our lives, Virgil. Rest in power, brother.”
Omg I can’t believe @virgilabloh is gone. Noooo💔💔💔
Pharrell Williams posted: “My heart is broken. Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius.
“Your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever.
“Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones.
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“You’re with the Master now, shine.”
Idris Elba wrote: “Too soon Virgil. You will be missed from this world man.”
Sacha Lord has tweeted: “I am so shocked and saddened by this. It was only a few weeks ago, Virgil was playing @WHP_Mcr and he was on really good form. #RIPVirgilAbloh”
Featured image: Instagram, @virgilabloh
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Police arrest another man in connection with Manchester synagogue terror attack last year
Emily Sergeant
Another man has been arrested this week in connection with the attack on a synagogue in Manchester last year.
In case you need a reminder, the shocking knife and car attack took place on 2 October 2025 on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, and during the incident, two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who was shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker was named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Yesterday evening (Tuesday 26 May 2026), officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, alongside GMP, executed a warrant at an address on St James’ Road in Higher Broughton.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000, and he has been taken into custody for questioning.
Another man has been arrested in connection to the Manchester synagogue terror attack / Credit: Google Maps | GMP
This brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the incident to eight.
That number includes a 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000, who still remains under investigation, and a man who has since been charged with terrorism offences that are not directly linked to the attack.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the attack and getting answers for those affected, including the local community,” commented Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
“We are prepared to take swift, firm action where we suspect criminal offences may have occurred.
“Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again urge anybody who may have information that could assist us to please contact police.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Met Office dishes on how long heatwave’ll last as yesterday was hottest May day on record
Emily Sergeant
The Met Office has given us an idea of how long this current heatwave may last.
It comes after a new UK temperature record was broken yesterday, as it reached 34.8°C at the weather station in Kew Gardens – with the figure being both the highest daily maximum temperature recorded in meteorological spring (March, April, and May), as well as the highest temperature in May all together.
The previous record of 32.8°C was reached in 1922 and 1944.
If confirmed and validated, and May sees a new official daily temperature record, it would mean that more than half of the monthly record highs – seven out of 12 – have been set since 2003.
Today has been the hottest day in May on record with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 34.8°C – exceeding the previous highest May temperature in the UK by a full 2 degrees Celsius🌡️
This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid summer, let alone in May📈 pic.twitter.com/d8boJYgaXJ
But what exactly is considered to be a heatwave? Well, heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, and providing the public with an indication of how long these temperatures could last, Met Office weather forecasters say the start of the week will see the heatwave continue for much of England and Wales with temperatures ‘well above average’, and today (Tuesday 26) expected to be another ‘very hot day’ with a rapid rise in temperatures through the morning.
The heat will then continue through the week, with highs of 31°C forecast for Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, 27°C on Friday, and 28°C on Saturday.
“We’ve now provisionally broken the spring and May temperature record,” commented Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, Dan Suri.
“Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday.
“High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30°Cs for some mid-week and high 20°Cs late this week.”
Daisy Jackson -
28th November 2021 
