Medical Examiner Confirms Rapper Lil Poppa's Death as Suicide
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office has officially confirmed that rapper Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Wheeler, died by suicide. The 25-year-old artist from Jacksonville passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This tragic conclusion follows reports of a single-car accident involving Wheeler on Interstate 85 in Hapeville, Georgia.
Details of the Incident and Final Hours
According to initial reports from TMZ, Lil Poppa was involved in a car crash on Interstate 85 before his death. After the accident, he reportedly went to a nearby Hilton Head location to meet with his manager. The circumstances surrounding this meeting and the subsequent events remain under investigation, but the medical examiner's report has definitively ruled the cause of death as suicide.
Lil Poppa's Musical Career and Recent Releases
Born Janarious Wheeler, Lil Poppa had cultivated a significant following through his heartfelt music, including popular tracks like "Love & War" and "Mind Over Matter." Remarkably, just one week before his untimely death, he released a new song titled "Out of Town Bae," showcasing his ongoing creative output. His career began at the young age of 7, where he wrote religious raps for his church before transitioning to secular music.
Lil Poppa's breakthrough came with his 2018 track "Purple Hearts," which was later featured on his mixtape "Upcoming Investigation." His music often reflected personal struggles and emotional depth, resonating with fans who appreciated his authentic storytelling.
Tributes from the Music Industry
Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group, which represents artists such as GloRilla and Moneybagg Yo, paid tribute to Lil Poppa on Instagram. In a heartfelt statement, they described him as "one of those rare artists who thoughtfully poured his pain, growth, and truth into his art." The label emphasized his ambition and potential, noting, "Poppa was more than a talented artist—he was an ambitious young man with depth beyond his years and endless potential. Our love for him knew no bounds."
The music community and fans have expressed widespread grief over the loss of such a promising young talent, highlighting the impact of his work and the tragic nature of his death.
