“My heart hurts,” a friend said.That was the first reaction from those closest to Kiki Shepard, and it says everything about the kind of presence she had.At first, the news didn’t come with many details: just shock, confusion, and a wave of disbelief. And then, slowly, the story behind it began to unfold.Kiki Shepard, the longtime co-host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” has died at 74.Her representative, LaShirl Smith, revealed that Shepard suffered a massive heart attack in Los Angeles on Monday, an event described as “completely unexpected” in a report by TMZ

.For many, that single phrase is what makes this loss hit even harder.Broadcaster Roland Martin shared that he had just seen Shepard on February 12 at the NBA All-Star Weekend Gospel Celebration. In his tribute, he recalled how they exchanged numbers and talked about her upcoming golf tournament, plans that now feel painfully unfinished.Talk show host Sherri Shepherd offered a deeply emotional tribute, describing Shepard as someone who was always joyful and full of life.She said Shepard could make anyone feel special with a hug, a message, or even just her presence, adding that she was “the life of every party.”She also reflected on Shepard’s generosity and the way she showed up for people, both publicly and privately.