Lil Poppa Dead at 25: Jacksonville Rapper Janarious Wheeler Dies in Georgia

Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa, has died at age 25. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia confirmed he was pronounced dead Wednesday at 11: 23 AM ET. Authorities have not released a cause of death and an investigation is underway.

Medical examiner confirmation and timeline

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the pronouncement of death and said the cause is currently under investigation. The announcement came after growing online concern following a number of social posts from the rapper in the hours before his death. Medical officials have not provided further details on the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Wheeler’s death has prompted questions from fans and members of the music community who had been tracking his recent activity. Less than 48 hours before his death, he posted a short video to his social media story that included lyrics from another artist reflecting on heartbreak and the search for peace of mind. In the days following, followers left messages of disbelief and grief underneath his last public post, which promoted his newest single.

Career highlights, recent releases and upcoming plans

A Jacksonville native, Wheeler rose from the local scene to wider attention after several widely shared tracks and collaborations. He was signed to a national label group and had built a profile with songs that blended street narratives and melodic hooks. His discography included a 16-track album released in August titled Almost Normal Again, which expanded his audience and showcased a mix of reflective songs and harder street cuts.

In the days before his death, Lil Poppa released a new single titled “Out of Town Bae. ” The track and its accompanying video were shared publicly and had been promoted as part of his push toward additional live dates. He was scheduled to perform next month in New Orleans, a stop that would have been part of a broader slate of appearances tied to the recent album and singles.

Wheeler first gained mainstream attention with earlier projects, including a debut studio release in 2021 that helped establish him as a rising voice from Jacksonville. Over the past few years he maintained a steady output of music that connected with a devoted fan base and earned him touring opportunities and placements alongside established artists on his label’s roster.

Fan reaction and the music community

News of his death has drawn an immediate response online, with fans offering condolences, sharing clips of his music, and expressing shock that someone so young has died. Messages under his most recent public post included pleas for confirmation and emotional reactions from longtime listeners who credited Wheeler with delivering honest, relatable songs.

Peers within the scene and promoters who had worked with him are now left to respond to the sudden loss and to make decisions about scheduled events. As investigators continue to determine cause and circumstance, legions of fans are expected to hold vigils and tribute events in his hometown and in cities where he had strong followings.

At 25, Janarious Mykel Wheeler had transitioned from regional buzz to a growing national profile. The investigation into his death remains active, and more details are expected to emerge as medical examiners and law enforcement complete their work.