Fulton County Medical Examiner Confirms Death of Jacksonville Rapper lil poppa
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, that 25-year-old Jacksonville rapper Janarious “Lil Poppa” Wheeler has died. The office said the cause of death is under investigation. Wheeler had released new music days before his passing and remained an active touring artist.
Investigation details and timeline
Officials with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death at about 11: 20 a. m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. The office has classified the cause of death as under investigation and has not released further details while inquiries continue. No additional information about the circumstances surrounding the death has been provided publicly.
Wheeler was 25 years old. In recent weeks he remained active, releasing a new single on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, and maintaining a schedule that included an appearance planned for next month in New Orleans. Those who worked with him or promoted his shows have not issued detailed public statements about the immediate circumstances pending the medical examiner’s findings.
Career highlights and recent work
Janarious Wheeler performed under the stage name lil poppa and built a regional and national profile over the past several years. He released his debut studio album, Blessed, I Guess, in 2021 and later signed with Collective Music Group, a label led by established artists in the hip-hop community. His music combined melodic flows with street-leaning storytelling, a style that helped him grow a dedicated fan base.
Days before his death, lil poppa released the single "Out of Town Bae, " which arrived on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. The new track followed a string of singles and collaborations that had kept him visible on streaming platforms and in club rotations. Industry contacts had booked live dates for late winter and spring, underscoring his continued momentum as a touring performer.
Reaction and next steps
News of Wheeler’s death prompted immediate shock from fans and peers in the music community. Tributes focused on his rise from the Jacksonville scene to wider recognition and his reputation as an artist who remained connected to his hometown. Promoters, collaborators and venues that had recent dealings with Wheeler are monitoring the situation and have indicated plans to coordinate with authorities and his representatives as more details become available.
The medical examiner’s investigation will determine the official cause of death and is expected to guide any further public messaging. Family, friends and colleagues will likely issue more substantive statements after investigators complete their work. For now, the announcement from the medical examiner’s office stands as the primary confirmation of Wheeler’s passing.
Wheeler’s body of work, including his 2021 debut and his most recent single, will remain part of his artistic legacy as investigators and those close to him seek answers and reflect on his impact in the music world.
