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A memorial for the late Lil Poppa ended in gunfire and left several people injured.
Dozens of people gathered at the intersection of A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and Jessie Street in Jacksonville to honor the 25-year-old rapper after he passed away last week. In the early hours of Sunday morning, February 22, an unidentified suspect fired 12-15 shots that hit four people at the event. According to Action New Jax, two women and two men were injured during the shooting. As of this report, police have not identified the suspect and are still hunting for more clues.
The CMG signee, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, killed himself after he got into a car crash on a highway in Georgia. Hapeville Chief of Police Bruce Hedley told TMZ that Poppa was talking to his manager in a hotel parking lot on Tuesday after he was involved in a single-car accident on Interstate 85. During their conversation, Poppa pulled out a gun, aimed it at his head, and shot himself. An off-duty police officer who happened to be working at the hotel called for help. Poppa was rushed to Grady Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m.
“We are stunned and devastated by the loss of our beloved family member, Janarious ‘Lil Poppa’ Wheeler,” the rapper's label CMG wrote in a statement. “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. He was one of those rare artists who thoughtfully poured his pain, growth and truth into his art. His passion and authenticity connected and inspired fans from all walks of life."
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.