Lil Poppa’s Death and Toie Roberts’ Raw Grief

The music world continues to mourn the loss of Janarious Mykel Wheeler, known professionally as Lil Poppa, who died on February 18, 2026, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death has deeply impacted his family, fans and the Jacksonville, Florida, hip-hop scene. Adding to the profound grief, Toie Roberts, Lil Poppa’s partner and the daughter of rap icon Rick Ross, has publicly shared her heartbreak and a pointed message to those offering unsolicited criticism.

A Public Outpouring of Grief

On March 3, 2026, Roberts took to Instagram to express her pain, addressing Wheeler by his middle name, Mykel. Her post, a raw and unfiltered tribute, resonated with many while also serving as a rebuke to online negativity. “MYKEL..what’s understood don’t ever have to explained especially to the internet,” she wrote, signaling her frustration with public speculation surrounding his death. [Source: Hot97]

Roberts described the experience as a “reality changing before my eyes” and questioned why Lil Poppa felt “in a rush to exit us,” while acknowledging her belief that his death was not intentional. Her grief is particularly acute concerning their son, Kofi. “ESPECIALLY NOT KOFI,” she wrote, expressing her anguish about explaining the loss to their young child. [Source: Hot97]

A Complex Relationship Remembered

Roberts reflected on their journey from young parents to a close-knit family, referring to them as “2 peas in a pod that turned into the BIGGG 3.” She questioned how their family dynamic would continue without Lil Poppa. Despite acknowledging public turbulence in their relationship, she emphasized that any disagreements were never more significant than the bond they shared. [Source: Hot97]

In a poignant closing, Roberts expressed her resolve to carry on, stating, “Janarious, I got J’nar. You go on & get your rest… we’ll be fine.” She also directly confronted online critics, dismissing them as “psychotic & insensitive” and defending herself against accusations of blame. She referenced a 2023 diss track, stating that Lil Poppa had apologized after its release and that they had moved past the issue. [Source: Hot97]

Final Moments and Cause of Death

Details surrounding Lil Poppa’s death reveal a tragic sequence of events. According to police reports, Wheeler fatally shot himself in front of his manager after a car crash on Interstate 85 south of Hapeville, Georgia. [Source: AllHipHop] He had called his manager in a panic following the single-vehicle accident, and the shooting occurred while they were speaking through the car window. [Source: AllHipHop] The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. [Source: AllHipHop]

Lil Poppa’s Life and Career

Born Janarious Mykel Wheeler on March 18, 2000, Lil Poppa rose to prominence with his 2018 song “Purple Hearts.” [Source: Wikipedia] He signed with Interscope Records in 2019 and released his debut album, Blessed, I Guess, in 2021. [Source: Wikipedia] He later joined Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) and contributed to the theme song for the 2022 NBA Finals, “Substantial League.” [Source: Wikipedia] His music often explored themes of violence, loyalty, regret, and the desire for a better life. [Source: Wikipedia]

Lil Poppa is survived by his son, PJ, born in June 2022. [Source: Economic Times]