Rapper Proof Killed

Proof, a member of the rap group D-12 and a close friend of Eminem, was killed in a shooting at a nightclub along Eight Mile Road early Tuesday.

The death of Proof _ whose real name is Deshaun Holton _ was confirmed by Dennis Dennehy, the publicist for D12’s label, Interscope Records.

“Memorial service arrangements are still being made, and his friends and family would appreciate privacy during this difficult time,” Dennehy said in a statement.

Proof was the best man at Eminem’s wedding in January and often appeared alongside the superstar rapper at concerts and public appearances. Proof also appeared in the film “8 Mile.”

Detroit police would not confirm that Proof was killed, but did say that two people were shot in the head _ one fatally _ at a nightclub on Eight Mile.

An argument at the CCC nightclub escalated into gunshots between, Detroit police spokesman James Tate said.

Wende Berry, a spokeswoman for St. John Health System, said Holton was dead on arrival at St. John Conner Creek, an outpatient treatment facility.

Berry confirmed that he had a gunshot wound and said that when he was dropped off he was identified as the rapper Proof to the medical staff.

Berry did not know whether he was taken to the facility by ambulance or dropped off by someone else.

— Associated Press