Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirms death of Jacksonville rapper lil poppa
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday (ET) confirmed the death of 25-year-old Jacksonville rapper Janarious “Lil Poppa” Wheeler. The office said the cause of death is under investigation. Wheeler had recently released new music and was scheduled to perform next month in New Orleans.
Investigation underway
Officials with the medical examiner’s office confirmed the artist’s passing on Wednesday (ET) and said the cause of death remains under review. No additional details about the circumstances have been released while investigators complete autopsy and toxicology processes. Law enforcement and medical personnel continue to coordinate as the inquiry proceeds.
Career highlights and recent work
Wheeler rose from the Jacksonville music scene and gained national visibility after signing with Collective Music Group. He released his debut studio album, "Blessed, I Guess, " in 2021, which helped establish him as an emerging voice in hip-hop. This past Friday (ET), Wheeler put out a new single titled "Out of Town Bae, " marking his latest output in a career that was rapidly gaining momentum.
Peers and fans had noted Wheeler’s blend of street-minded storytelling and melodic hooks. He attracted attention for his lyrical honesty and for bridging regional Jacksonville sounds with broader hip-hop trends. The recently released single had reinvigorated interest in his catalog and suggested plans for additional music and appearances.
Planned performance and community reaction
Wheeler was scheduled to perform in New Orleans next month (ET), an engagement that would have been part of a run of shows intended to expand his live profile. Promoters and collaborators had been preparing for the upcoming appearance, which is now expected to be canceled or postponed given the circumstances surrounding his death.
News of Wheeler’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief among local supporters and fellow artists. Social media tributes emphasized his impact on the Jacksonville scene and his role as a young artist on the rise. Those close to him described him as driven and committed to his craft, noting the momentum he had built through touring and recent recordings.
What comes next
The medical examiner’s office will release further findings when available, including a confirmed cause and manner of death. Investigators typically wait for toxicology and related test results before making definitive statements. Family members and representatives will be consulted as those findings are finalized.
For fans and the music community, attention is likely to remain on Wheeler’s music and legacy while public details about his death continue to emerge. His recent release and scheduled show underscored a career that many observers saw as just beginning to reach a wider audience.
The office’s confirmation Wednesday (ET) closes a phase of uncertainty about the artist’s status but opens a period in which officials will work to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. Further updates will be released by authorities when official findings are complete.
