The cause of death for rapper Lil Poppa was reportedly revealed on Thursday.
The 25-year-old rapper died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on Wednesday, according to The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia, which spoke to TMZ about the rapper.
His death has been ruled a suicide, the site added.
The story of Lil Poppa’s final moments took an unexpected turn later in the day, when Hapeville Chief of Police Bruce Hedley made the shocking claim that the rapper killed himself shortly after crashing his car.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Lil Poppa’s representative and Chief Hedley for comment.
According to Hedley, Lil Poppa allegedly crashed his car in a single-vehicle incident on Interstate 85, just south of Hapeville, Georgia.
The cause of death for rapper Lil Poppa was revealed on Thursday. Hapeville Chief of Police Bruce Hedley said the rapper died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound; seen in 2023
The 25-year-old rapper allegedly crashed his car, then called his manager for advice on what to do. After the two met up in a nearby parking lot, Lil Poppa allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot himself in the head; pictured in 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The police chief told the publication that the rapper — born Janarious Mykel Wheeler — then called his manager for advice on what to do, while noting that his car was still in drivable condition.
Lil Poppa’s manager allegedly told the rapper to drive to the parking lot of a nearby Hilton Hotel, where he would meet him.
But, according to Hedley, Lil Poppa didn’t get out of his car once his manager arrived, and he would allegedly only speak to him through the window, which remained rolled up.
Hedley reportedly said that it was unknown what the two had talked about, but he claimed that Lil Poppa at one point pulled out a handgun and shot himself in the head.
According to the police chief, it was an off-duty police officer who was working at the Hilton who made the 911 call.
Lil Poppa was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hedley said that police did not discover any suicide note after the incident.
Lil Poppa’s death was subsequently announced by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, TMZ reported earlier in the day.
According to the police chief, Lil Poppa spoke to his manager from his car with his window rolled up before shooting himself. The rapper, who was based out of Jacksonville, Florida, died just days after releasing a new song, Out Of Town Bae, and the accompanying music video; pictured in 2024
The artist — born Janarious Mykel Wheeler — was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead there. His death was announced by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia, TMZ reported; pictured in 2023 performing in Atlanta, Georgia
Fans took to X to express how shocked they were: ‘No way, this guy had it all, why would he take his life?’ while another said, ‘Poor bro must have been in pain.’
The musician — who was based out of Jacksonville, Florida — died just days after releasing a new song, Out Of Town Bae, and the accompanying music video.
The hip hop artist was signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group. CMG released a statement about Lil Poppa’s passing calling him a ‘beloved family member.’
Lil Poppa rose to prominence with his fan-favorite song Love & War. His other hits include Mind Over Matter and HAPPY TEARS.
The rapper was scheduled to perform in New Orleans in March.
His most recent album, Almost Normal Again, came out in August 2025.
Comedian and rapper Lil Duval took to X to pay tribute to Lil Poppa, expressing deep regret over a missed opportunity for the two to connect in recent weeks.
‘This one really hurt me cuz i really cared about lil poppa. Most of us in Jacksonville knew him since he was a kid. And we all wanted him to win and he was. Cuz once the drill music died done he was the only one left standing,’ he wrote.
Fans took to X to express how shocked they were: ‘No way, this guy had it all, why would he take his life?’ while another said, ‘Poor bro must have been in pain’
‘And he deserved it cuz He was really who all these other YN rappers wanted to be in Jacksonville. Even his enemies was his fans first.
‘We talked a couple weeks ago he said “i know i was suppose been pulled up to camp Duval but i been busy but im definitely pulling up soon” and i said “ain’t no rush it ain’t going no where” now i wish i would’ve forced it.’
YouTube star Davo Migo wrote on X, ‘Lil Poppa you hurt my feelings with this one not gon lie.’
Great Day Records CEO Caroline ‘Baroline’ Diaz, who played a pivotal role in the artist’s rise, also paid homage on X.
‘My little brother is gone, Poppa I love you so much. I am so broken. One of the first artists I had at Interscope. A&R’ed 4 of his projects. I’m so sad right now.’
One of the rapper’s fans wrote on X, ‘Rest in Peace to a real talent. Lil Poppa’s music spoke to so many of us and his storytelling was unmatched. Sending prayers and strength to his family, his team at CMG, and the entire Jacksonville community during this incredibly difficult time. Gone way too soon.’
‘RIP Lil Poppa one of the greatest talents of our generation,’ another fan added.
The rapper’s death comes just one month ahead of his 26th birthday on March 18.
Help is available: dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
