Director Spike Lee in mourning after announcing the tragic death of younger brother Christopher on New Year's Eve

By Jason Chester

PUBLISHED: 05:59 EST, 3 January 2014 | UPDATED: 10:44 EST, 3 January 2014

Spike Lee has begun the year in mourning following the death of his brother Christopher at the age of 55.

The award winning director shared the tragic news of his younger sibling’s passing - the cause of which is yet to be disclosed - with Instagram followers alongside the image of a single flower on New Year's Eve.

In a poignant accompanying message he wrote: ‘Mr. Christopher Lee R.I.P December 23,1958-December 30,2013.

‘Chris Is My Brother Born Right After Me. Not A Good Way To Start The New Year.May God Bless His Soul.

In mourning: Spike Lee shared the news of brother Christopher's death on New Year's Eve

In mourning: Spike Lee shared the news of brother Christopher's death on New Year's Eve

‘On Behalf Of The Lee Family I Thank One And All,From Far And Near For Your Very Heart Felt Kind Words On The Loss Of Our Brother Chris Lee.’

 

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The tribute, posted shortly after he saw in the new year with rapper Jay-Z, is understood to have been shared some 24-hours after Christopher passed away – although additional context, including a cause of death, are yet to be disclosed.

On Thursday the 56-year-old filmmaker shared further details of a memorial service, to be held in his brother’s honour, in their native New York.

Moving: Spike posted this shot alongside a message in which he shared the tragic news of brother Christopher's passing

Moving: Spike posted this shot alongside a message in which he shared the tragic news of brother Christopher's passing

‘Memorial Services For Our Brother Christopher"SHADOW" Lee Will Be Held This Saturday January 4th 10am At The Brown Memorial Church 484 Washington Avenue Corner Of Gates Avenue In Brooklyn New York.All Chris' Friends In The Grafitti Community Are More a Than Welcome To Attend. The Lee Family,’ he shared.

The message came with a black and white shot of his younger brother, who shared a striking resemblance with Spike.

While little is known about Christopher, he was reported to have fallen out with Spike in 2006 after the director give him a cash advance on his share in the sale of a family home – an incident reported by the National Enquirer and later refuted by the director.

‘My brother’s statements to the Enquirer are falsehoods,’ he said at the time. Nonetheless, my siblings and I still love him.


‘I’m not the first nor will I be the last public figure who will be accused by a sibling of not doing enough. My question is, ‘When is enough enough?’’

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 1994, Lee patriarch Bill admitted that Christopher had creative leanings by playing the trumpet and ‘became interested in art; he’s still an artist, but he hasn’t pursued it.’

Spike’s three remaining siblings – Joie, David and Cinque – have all developed individual careers in the film industry having worked with the director on numerous projects, amongst them Crooklyn, the semi-autobiographical 1994 film loosely based on their tough upbringing in New York. 

Ushering in 2014 on New Year's Eve, Spike shared a shot in which he is seen raising a glass with fellow New Yorker Jay.

An accompanying message reads: '2 Kids From BK.2 Of Crooklyn's Finest From Marcy Projects And Fort Greene. Spreadin' Love Is Da Brooklyn Way. Happy New Year To One And All.Ya-Dig? Sho-NUFF.'

Heartfelt: Spike posted this message of thanks to his followers on New Year's Eve

Heartfelt: Spike posted this message of thanks to his followers on New Year's Eve







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to spike & anyone else who loses a loved one...Gods peace...stay strong.

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So sad to happen at a time for celebration R.I.P

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Rest in peace Christopher Shadow Lee.

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I abhor Spike Lee but would not wish this on him. I know what it's like to lose a brother.

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stay strong x

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How sad. My own baby brother who is almost exactly one year older than Spikes died from cancer a few days ago. We were also very close in age. Condolences to their entire family.

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God bless you and your family, during this very difficult time. RIP Christopher Lee.

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Red arrows for mourning a person's brother's passing? A lot of people need a hug to remain relevant.

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Spike Lee is one of the most down to earth people in film I've ever met, may his brother rest in peace!

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Thoughts and prayers to Spike..

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