The cause of death for 25-year-old rapper Lil Poppa has been confirmed as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia. His death on Wednesday has officially been ruled a suicide, TMZ reported.
Later that day, Hapeville Police Chief Bruce Hedley shared further details, alleging that the artist took his life shortly after being involved in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 85, south of Hapeville.
According to Hedley, Lil Poppa — born Janarious Mykel Wheeler — called his manager following the crash. Though the vehicle was reportedly still operable, his manager advised him to drive to a nearby Hilton hotel parking lot to meet. When the manager arrived, the rapper allegedly remained inside his car, speaking only through the closed window.
Police say that at some point during the encounter, Lil Poppa produced a handgun and shot himself. An off-duty officer working security at the hotel called 911. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said no suicide note was found.
Lil Poppa, who was based in Jacksonville, Florida, had just released a new single, Out Of Town Bae, days before his death. He was signed to Collective Music Group, which described him as a “beloved family member” in a statement.
He rose to fame with tracks like Love & War, Mind Over Matter, and HAPPY TEARS, and dropped his latest album, Almost Normal Again, in August 2025. He had been scheduled to perform in New Orleans in March, just weeks before what would have been his 26th birthday on March 18.
Tributes poured in across social media. Fellow Jacksonville native Lil Duval expressed heartbreak, writing that he had recently spoken with Lil Poppa and regretted not pushing harder to meet up. Music executive Caroline “Baroline” Diaz also shared an emotional message, calling him “my little brother” and reflecting on their early collaborations.
Fans mourned the loss of a rising talent, praising his storytelling and impact on the Jacksonville music scene. Many described him as one of the most promising voices of his generation, gone far too soon.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
