Popular Rapper Lil Poppa Found Dead in Fulton County

Medical examiner investigating 25-year-old's death

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The 25-year-old rapper Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, was found dead in Fulton County, Georgia on Wednesday. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his death, though the cause and manner of death are still pending investigation.

Why it matters

Lil Poppa was a rising star in the rap music scene, signed to Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group (CMG) label. His sudden death at the young age of 25 is a tragic loss for the music industry and his fans.

The details

Lil Poppa, whose real name was Janarious Mykel Wheeler, was pronounced dead just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday in Fulton County, Georgia. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the cause and manner of his death.

  • Lil Poppa was pronounced dead just after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Lil Poppa

A 25-year-old rapper who was signed to Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group (CMG) label and had released several hit songs.

Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office

The office investigating the cause and manner of Lil Poppa's death.

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The takeaway

The sudden death of the rising rap star Lil Poppa at just 25 years old is a tragic loss for the music industry and his fans. The investigation into the cause and manner of his death is ongoing.