Jason Hobdy dead at 40: Maeta manager who worked tours for  H.E.R. and Alicia Keys passes away on flight from Japan after falling ill

 Jason Hobdy - who was an influential manager behind the singer Maeta - has passed away at 40 on a flight returning home from Japan after falling ill on August 30.

Maeta Kaplan took to her Instagram over the weekend to reveal the tragic news as she paid her manager a touching tribute.

The 24-year-old singer posted a gallery of intimate snaps and videos from their work together along with the heartbreaking caption which began: 'Lost probably the closest person in my life yesterday on the way back from our last show in Japan.

'Jason has been the most loyal person to me for the past 6 years, since we met. He knew every detail of my life. Started as my manager when I was 18 but quickly became my big brother. 

Jason Hobdy - who was an influential manager behind the singer Maeta - has passed away at 40 on a flight returning home from Japan after falling ill on August 30

Maeta Kaplan took to her Instagram over the weekend to reveal the tragic news as she paid her manager a touching tribute; the twi are seen together in November 2021

'Stuck by my side through my darkest times, kept every secret I’ve ever told him, protected me like his little sister. We’d go at it like crazy but that’s because he knew me so well and sometimes I hated it!'

Other artists on his roster included Elijah Blake and Tone Stith as Maeta continued her lengthy caption describing the personal time they spent together.

She wrote: 'And he was always late lol HAD to throw that in there!!! It was a thing if you know you know!!! But he could seriously read my mind. We had so many silent conversations just with our faces. One look and we’d bust out laughing about some dumb s***. 

'I will miss you so so so much. I don’t know how I’ll do another show without you. Thank you for your dedication to my career and my life for all these years. I love you forever and ever and ever. You are so insanely loved by so many people. I promise to make you proud. Until we meet again.'

Hobdy began his career at the very early age of 16-years-old at MBK Entertainment under the guidance of Jeff Robinson, Jeanine McLean and Suzette Williams.

He began as just an intern but was able to quickly learn the business.

Eventually he worked tour management and was able to travel the world with artists including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., K. Michelle, and Lucky Daye.

Since 2022 he has also been an A&R consultant for Monarch Distro. 

Hobdy's talent roster included Elijah Blake (left) and Maeta (right)

The 24-year-old singer posted a gallery of intimate snaps and videos from their work together along with the heartbreaking caption which began: 'Lost probably the closest person in my life yesterday on the way back from our last show in Japan. Jason has been the most loyal person to me for the past 6 years, since we met. He knew every detail of my life. Started as my manager when I was 18 but quickly became my big brother'

Hobdy began his career at the very early age of 16-years-old at MBK Entertainment under the guidance of Jeff Robinson, Jeanine McLean and Suzette Williams; Hobdy is pictured with Newal Dethan in Beverly Hills back in June 2021

The CEO of MBK Entertainment Jeff Robinson also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Hobdy as he wrote: 'When he was 11 years old, my nephew Jason "Hoody" Hobdy told me that when he grew up, he was going to work for me and eventually run the company'

The aforementioned CEO of MBK Entertainment Jeff Robinson also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Hobdy as he wrote: 'When he was 11 years old, my nephew Jason "Hoody" Hobdy told me that when he grew up, he was going to work for me and eventually run the company.

'As a teen, he actually did start working for me… What a great life and career for a poor kid from the Bronx who loved to laugh and dream big, to running your own company and touring the world for years! I am so proud to call you my Nephew and PARTNER.'

Robinson continued by recognizing Hobdy's achievements before concluding: 'Your name will ring bells in heaven and Earth!! Rest well, Young King.'

Hobdy is survived by several family members including brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and close friends.