Florida rapper Lil Poppa died by suicide, fatally shooting himself in the head after crashing his car in Georgia earlier this week, according to a report.
The 25-year-old performer, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, was involved in a single-vehicle accident Wednesday on Interstate 85 south in Hapeville, Hapeville Chief of Police Bruce Hedley told TMZ. Then, he called his manager asking for advice. He explained to her that the car was still drivable, so she told Wheeler to meet her in a nearby parking lot at a Hilton hotel, the report said.
When she arrived, Lil Poppa remained inside his car, and they chatted through his rolled down window. It is not clear what they were discussing, but at some point during the conversation, the rapper pulled out a firearm and used it to shoot himself in the head, Headley said.
An off-duty officer already at the Hilton heard the gunshot and called 911.
Lil Poppa was then rushed to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Wheeler released his most recent single, “Out of Town Bae,” last week, and he was slated to perform in New Orleans next month. His debut album, “Blessed, I Guess,” was released back in 2021, and he later signed with rapper Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group. He recorded several hits there, including “Love & War, “Mind Over Matter,” and “HAPPY TEARS.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.
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