The music world mourns the loss of DJ Legend Casper who passed away after a brave fight with illness. DJ Casper, a native of Chicago who invented the “Cha-Cha Slide,” has died.
And his fans were curious to learn about DJ Casper cause of death. Casper received accolades for his work as a pantomime artist, DJ legend, and skating icon.
A death hoax alleging that DJ Casper, a well-known songwriter, and hypeman, had died started to spread online on August 7, 2023, on Monday.
According to the most current news, it was discovered that he died today. Here’s what we know about his illness and DJ Casper cause of death.
What happened to DJ Casper?
With great sadness, I announce the passing of a Chicago ICON who turned out to be a global ICON Willie Perry Jr. aka DJ Casper, creator of the Cha Slide.
He battled cancer for several years and passed away. Countless families and friends have celebrated life’s biggest occasions together with the joyful “Cha-Cha Slide” dance. Though his battle with cancer ended tragically, his musical legacy will live on through his timeless hits and music.
DJ Casper cause of death
DJ Casper, a native of Chicago and the man behind the iconic “Cha Cha Slide,” has passed away at the age of 58 following a battle with cancer, according to his wife.
On Monday, the Chicago native lost his fight with cancer. Casper talked at his home in May with Samantha Chatman of ABC7 about his 20 years of international renown and health issues.
It was his final television appearance. Therefore, it was confirmed that DJ Casper cause of death was cancer complications.
GOFUNDME PAGE
It is clear from the fundraising website, which began on May 18th, 2016, that he was identified as having two different types of cancer and passed away as a result. Take a look at the statement that made on his GoFundMe page.
Hello everyone I don’t know if you heard that Willie Perry aka DJ Casper has been diagnosed the two forms of kidney cancer renal cancer and nero-endocrine cancer he’s taking it one day at a time trying to make things better right now he is very overwhelmed with doctor & medicine bills.
Casper has given a lot to Chicago making everybody dance and have fun with the Cha Cha Slide, and now he needs Chicago along with other people to give back to him. I am sure he will really appreciate it thanks much.
Willie Perry’s Illness
Now let’s talk about the disease he has battled his entire life. Willie Perry, a native of Chicago and the inventor of the “Casper Slide,” battled liver and kidney cancer in 2016.
He had the stamina to fight his sickness because of his optimism. He had overcome lead poisoning as a child and a brain aneurysm as an adult, but cancer would require a lot more courage.
“I kept myself moving at all times,” he said. “Even when that happened, I was moving.”
The true battle for Perry didn’t start until just a few years ago, despite the fact that he also suffered detached retinas, which required major eye surgery.
Renal and neuroendocrine cancer
“In 2016, two cancer types were discovered in me. Renal and neuroendocrine, or liver and kidney, stated Perry. Life or death circumstances necessitated a protracted, difficult journey. While at times difficult, DJ Casper’s cancer is now in remission, and he claims to have changed as a result.
“Maybe in the process of me going through the cancer situation, that was God’s way of just slowing me down just a little bit,” he said. “But he kept me here for a reason, definitely for a reason.”
In the month following his cancer diagnosis in 2016, he began chemotherapy. This resulted in a surgical failure. In a July 2018 interview, he asserted that his illness had been cured.
The people that were there for Perry made every effort to assist. As Perry finished chemotherapy, Mack Miller, a friend, and longtime business partner, joined Perry at cancer benefit events.
He sang and motivated the audience by sharing his experiences and inspiring them to keep going. Miller remarked that “he’s always been about helping someone.”
According to Perry, who claimed to have reformed in 2019 after beating liver and kidney cancer, “That was God’s way of just slowing me down a little bit.”
He visits hospitals in Chicago to meet with cancer patients and encourage them to keep fighting, and he’s planning a viral moment for “The Cha-Cha Slide’s” 20th anniversary next year.
On May 16, 2020, “Casper Slide” fans will hopefully slide to the right and crisscross together around the globe while donating a dime apiece to cancer research. Perry hasn’t chosen the time and charity yet, but he’s hoping to break a Guinness World Record.
In regards to his illness, DJ Casper’s wife Joyce says,
His wife Joyce, in an interview with Jet magazine, said,
“They did surgery on him at the end of January but were unsuccessful, so they decided to do chemotherapy. I’m able to give him injections every day because I’m a nurse, which is a blessing.
My mom is a pastor, so there are a lot of prayers going up, and some Sundays, we make it to church. He’s not working nearly as much as he used to, and all the medications are quite expensive, so I had it on my heart to throw him a benefit.
There will be dinner, live entertainment, and a special tribute to Casper to highlight all he’s done. He’s not just the guy who created the Cha-Cha Slide, in the process of paving his career, Casper used to roller skate and he won the World’s Largest Steppers Contest nine times straight.”
Who was Willie Perry Jr.?
Willie Perry Jr., popularly known as DJ Casper (also known as Mr. C The Slide Man), was an American DJ, hype man, and songwriter who lived from May 31, 1971, to August 7, 2023. He was born and reared in Chicago and goes by the stage name “Casper” because he regularly wears all-white clothing there.
Musical Career
One of Chicago’s finest treasures was Casper. He created one of the most well-known line dances ever. But he never lost sight of his origins.
He acknowledged having health issues when he met down with ABC7 back in May, but he resolved to be optimistic and savor every moment. He left a song in the world that unites people from all walks of life.
In 1998, Perry wrote “Casper Slide Pt. 1” (sometimes referred to as “Cha Cha Slide”) for his nephew, who was employed as a personal trainer at Bally Total Fitness.
Casper wrote “Casper Slide Pt. 2” in 2000, which Elroy Smith at Chicago’s radio station, WGCI-FM, took up after the song became an aerobic activity in fitness centers and PE in schools.
Chicago’s M.O.B Records record label joined in on the song’s success in 2004, helping Perry collaborate with other Chicago-based musicians to produce an entire compilation album to promote the dance. Universal Records later took “Cha Cha Slide” under their wing.
Social media flooded with tributes when people heard about his death
DJ Casper’s passing is followed by a deluge of condolences. DJ Casper’s passing was tough for many people to absorb. Internet users sent tributary remarks on Facebook and Twitter.
Hosea Sanders wrote on Facebook,
Chicago’s DJ Casper has died. Willie “Casper” Perry, was known worldwide for his hit “Cha Cha Slide.” He battled cancer for several years and, for a while, he appeared to be winning. I spent time with Casper a few years ago as he encouraged other men to take care of themselves.
Tangee B wrote on Twitter,
#Chicago legend #DJCasper the creator of the #ChaChaSlide has passed away. He had cancer but cancer didn’t have him. He lived, laughed, and lived. God rest his soul. #Casper #RIPCasper.
Alderwoman Monet S. Wilson wrote on Facebook,
BREAKING: DJ Casper, the creator of the world-famous “Cha Cha Slide,” has died. No more pain! Rest Well Willie P!! I’m cutting up all weekend! If they’re not playing YOU…I’m leaving! My condolences to the family and all that were honored to be in your presence. DJ Karma! (Yep, I can do most things) —now Alderwoman Monet S. Wilson.
Medico Topics extends our deepest condolences to DJ Casper’s family and his fans during this difficult time. Let us be a source of strength and comfort for one another as we navigate through this painful journey of grief and remembrance.
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.