Grammy-winning Atlanta rapper 21 Savage is mourning an unimaginable family loss after his 14-year-old “nephew,” Seven Shirley, died by suicide following the accidental shooting of his 12-year-old sister, Lyric.
The devastating incident occurred at a home in Stockbridge, Georgia, on Wednesday, July 22. According to family members, Seven accidentally shot his younger sister in the neck before taking his own life in panic and distress.
“He Couldn’t Take It”: Family Speaks Out
Seven’s grandmother, Sharon Smith—who raised him since he was 11 months old—shared the overwhelming grief and confusion surrounding the tragedy, noting that the teenager likely panicked following the accidental discharge.
“Just that fast, that boy made the decision to kill himself,” Smith shared in an emotional interview. “He probably sat up there and thought, ‘I’m finna go to jail, they’re going to ridicule me, everybody is going to be doing this and that… and he couldn’t take it.'”
Smith also questioned how the 14-year-old obtained a firearm, calling for stricter action against illegal street gun sales to minors:
“We don’t know where he got it. Something needs to be done about that person who sold that gun, because if he had never bought that gun, this would have never happened.”
Taking to his Instagram Stories, 21 Savage posted a throwback childhood photo of Seven accompanied by a heartbroken emoji and the caption: “Remember when you was a baby.”
The family released an official statement asking for privacy while providing an update on 12-year-old Lyric, who remains hospitalized after undergoing multiple surgeries:
Hospitalization Update: Lyric suffered gunshot wounds to her neck and vocal cords and is currently recovering in critical care following three surgeries.
Family Plea: “As we prepare for the homegoing celebration for my beloved nephew, Seven, I respectfully ask everyone to please honor our family’s privacy,” the statement read. “Please continue to keep my niece, Lyric, in your prayers. She is fighting for her life.”
Call Against Gun Violence: The family urged local authorities and the community to crack down on illegal gun access to minors to prevent future youth tragedies.
