How Team USA's Olympics hype man Flavor Flav is honoring star's sister-in-law who tragically died aged 26

Flavor Flav, the 'hype man' and financial backer of Team USA water polo, is paying his own special tribute the late sister-in-law of star player Maggie Steffens following her tragic death.

USA coach Adam Krikorian revealed the unexpected death of Lulu Conner, 26, after Steffens and the team defeated Greece in Saturday's Olympic opener.

She is the younger sister of Bobby Conner, who married Steffens - a three-time Olympic gold medalist - in the fall of 2023. 

Conner died after landing in Paris to support the team, with Steffens calling the tragedy a 'medical emergency'.

As the Americans' pursuit of gold continued on Wednesday with a win against Italy, Flavor Flav wore a special clock made by Lulu.

Bobby Conner presented the rapper with the clock which reads: 'Made with love by Lulu Conner.'

In the heartbreaking clip, posted on social media, Flavor Flav can be seen hugging Bobby before the clock is draped over his head. 

'Imma be wearing a VERY SPECIAL second clock for the duration of the Olympics and beyond,' the rapper wrote.

Flavor Flav has become a sponsor of the USA water polo team after seeing a post by Steffens which outlined the struggles players go through to achieve their Olympic dreams.

Earlier this week, the Conner family issued a statement which read: 'Lulu passed away on July 24th in Paris, shortly after arriving to support her sister in law, Maggie Steffens, and the US Women’s Water Polo team. At this point in time, we still do not know what caused her death. 

'Lulu loved Maggie and her teammates, and was extremely excited to be supporting them here in Paris. It wouldn’t be unusual to see Lulu in the stands, decked out in USA gear, dancing at timeouts, and leading chants. 

'In finding out that Flavor Flav was the official USWWP hype man, Lulu crafted customized clock chains to be worn in a show of support for the team. Lulu embodied the Olympic spirit: joy, peace, bringing people together, and making the most of each moment. 

'In an effort to honor Lulu’s spirit and enthusiasm, members of our family that are currently in Paris plan to continue attending and cheering loudly at USWWP games.

'While we are so grateful for the outpouring of support and love seeing stories shared about Lulu, we ask that our immediate family’s privacy is respected at this difficult time. We also encourage everyone to make an effort to "live like Lu", leading with kindness and compassion.'