Lil Poppa’s mother reveals toxicology results found methamphetamine in his system at his suicide, blaming drugs and mental health struggles for the tragedy.
- May 22, 2026
AceShowbiz - The mother of late rapper Lil Poppa is speaking out after toxicology results from his autopsy revealed the presence of methamphetamine in his system at the time of his death.
Lynn Hickson shared a message on Instagram detailing the findings from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. Lil Poppa, born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, died by suicide on February 18. He was 25 years old.
"The reports confirmed that methamphetamine was in his system at the time of his passing," Hickson wrote. "As his family, we truly believe the drugs played a major part in what happened."
In her emotional post, Hickson also addressed her son's mental health struggles, revealing that Lil Poppa had dealt with depression and anxiety before his death. "The son we knew and loved would never have wanted to leave behind his child, his family, or the people who cared about him so deeply if he had been in the right state of mind," she wrote.
According to the medical examiner's office, the Jacksonville rapper died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Hickson said the family wanted full transparency surrounding the circumstances of his death, hoping that sharing his story could help others facing similar battles with mental health and substance use.
"Substance abuse can change a person's thinking, emotions, and decisions in heartbreaking ways," she wrote.
She concluded her post by asking for prayers for the family, "especially his child," and added, "If sharing his story can help even one person, then speaking honestly about it matters." Lil Poppa was laid to rest on March 7 in Jacksonville, Florida.
The rapper's death has sparked conversations among fans and the hip-hop community about the intersection of mental health challenges and drug use among young artists. Hickson's decision to publicly disclose the toxicology results reflects a desire to remove stigma and encourage others to seek help before reaching a crisis point. She emphasized that the drugs likely altered her son's state of mind, leading to a decision he would not have made otherwise. The family continues to grieve while hoping that Lil Poppa's legacy can serve as a warning and a source of support for those struggling in silence.
