A 14-year-old boy described as being like a nephew to rapper 21 Savage died by suicide on Wednesday in Stockbridge, Georgia, after he accidentally shot his younger sister.
Seven Shirley died by suicide after shooting his sister, Lyric, in the neck, according to 11Alive News, citing the family. Lyric has undergone three surgeries on her neck and vocal cords, and her family stated she is "fighting for her life." It remains unclear when she will be able to return home.
The teenager's grandmother, Sharon Smith, who raised Seven since he was 11 months old, told the outlet she did not know how he obtained the firearm. "Something needs to be done about that person who sold that gun because if he would have never bought that gun, this would have never happened," Smith said. She added that Seven "made the decision to kill himself" quickly, likely fearing legal repercussions.
21 Savage, whose real name is Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, posted a photo of Seven on Instagram with a tribute, expressing his memories of him as a baby.
Seven's cousin, 13-year-old DeMarcus Shirley, was killed in a drive-by shooting earlier this month in DeKalb County.
The family released a statement urging the community to help remove guns from the streets. "Far too many young lives are being taken by senseless gun violence," the statement read. "We must work together to stop the illegal sale and access of firearms to minors and do everything we can to protect our children."
21 Savage has previously spoken out against gun violence in the Atlanta area. In a 2022 post on X, formerly Twitter, he urged Atlanta residents to "Put The F****** Guns Down !!!!!" He has defended his music lyrics, stating they are "for entertainment."