A local DJ and FAMU student died Friday from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Timothy Burroughs, 23, also known as DJ Skip-A-Chuck, died Friday afternoon from a blood clot likely connected to a Dec. 31 motorcycle accident in Tallahassee. Burroughs sustained injuries, which required three surgeries to replace his pelvis and one to fix his jaw bone.
Burroughs was listed in critical but stable condition and was transported to a Tampa hospital Jan. 18. His estimated recovery time would have put a damper on his projected 2006 graduation date.
Burroughs attended FAMU’s College of Engineering. Although school was a priority, music was his heart.
In 2001, Burroughs became the official DJ for Miami rap artist JT Money.
“He wanted to enter the music game, change it and take it to a whole new level,” said childhood friend Ryan Jackson.
Burroughs was a DJ and on air personality on Blazin’ 102.3FM for two years. He was known to spin records in local nightclubs such as Skyline, The Moon, Perry’s Lounge, Mt. Zion Calypso Café and Chubby’s. As a member of the basement crew, a group of DJs on Jay Blaze’s show from 7 p.m. to midnight, Burroughs delivered a sense of enthusiasm and expertise as he transitioned from one record to another while on the turntables.
“Chuck would come in and set up and practice before a mix show,” said Blaze, music director at 102.3.
“He was always excited when he had new music to play.”
Burroughs’ ability to rock a party brought him unexpected recognition.
Burroughs was the recipient of the “Best Radio Mix Show” award at Clear Channel’s First Ghetto Fabulous Live Awards.
In his acceptance speech, he called for the unity of Tallahassee DJ’s.
“It’s about the music; there is no reason for animosity. Skip-A-Chuck got love for all DJs in this industry. Anything y’all need, holla at me,” Burroughs said.
Throughout his stay at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, family, co-workers, friends and even celebrities constantly surrounded him. During the annual Demp week festivities, rap artist Piccalo and other industry personalities took time out from the activities to shed their get well wishes at his bed side. A get-well phone call from Miami rapper Trick Daddy was also able to lift his spirits.
As a vibrant, always-on-the-go kind of person, Burroughs was kept in constant contact with his listeners. Skip-A-Chuck fans sent e-mails and recorded special phone messages asking him to make a fast recovery. Blazin’ on-air personality DJ Storm produced a CD compiled of his favorite songs and get-well greetings from the station’s staff.
“He was a beautiful spirit, the kind of person who could walk into a room and brighten your day,” said mid-day personality Renee Simone. “All that knew him were trying to return the favor.”
Timothy’s death isn’t the first untimely passing in the Burroughs family. In May 2003, Burroughs’ oldest brother Taj died of a gunshot wound. Burroughs vowed in honor of his brother’s death he would live every day to the fullest.
“His brother was his best friend and his mentor,” Jackson said.
With a promising career in radio and an extensive resume, Burroughs started out early on his road to stardom. And as Chuck was known for saying:
“Put the records in the stack and leave the bad ones in the back. Make your next move your best move. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate because it might be too late. Bum Bum!”
Contact Lauren Dixon at llauren_d@yahoo.com.