Rapper 21 Savage is grieving the devastating loss of a teenage family member after a tragic shooting in Stockbridge, Georgia, that left his 14-year-old nephew figure dead and his 12-year-old niece critically injured.
According to family members, 14-year-old Seven Shirley accidentally shot his younger sister, Lyric, in the neck before taking his own life inside their home on Wednesday. The family described Seven as being “like a nephew” to 21 Savage, who has been left mourning another heartbreaking loss.
Lyric survived the shooting and remains hospitalized after undergoing multiple surgeries to her neck and vocal cords. Her family says she is continuing to fight for her life as loved ones pray for her recovery.
Seven’s grandmother, Sharon Smith, said the teenager likely became overwhelmed after realizing what had happened.
“Just that fast that boy had made the decision to kill himself,” Smith told 11Alive. She believes he may have feared the consequences of the accidental shooting and “couldn’t take it.”
Smith also questioned how the teen gained access to the firearm, saying the family has no answers and calling for accountability regarding how the weapon was obtained.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram Stories, 21 Savage posted a childhood photo of Seven wearing one of his signature “21” chains alongside the caption, “Remember when you was a baby,” followed by broken-heart emojis.
The family has asked for privacy as they prepare for Seven’s funeral while continuing to rally around Lyric during her recovery.
The tragedy comes only weeks after another heartbreaking loss for the family. Seven’s 13-year-old cousin, DeMarcus Shirley, was killed in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County, leaving relatives to cope with two unimaginable losses in a short span of time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis in the United States, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, at any time.
