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Atlanta Rapper Young Scooter Dies Following Incident with Police
Atlanta-based hip-hop artist Young Scooter has tragically died on his 39th birthday, Friday, in what authorities are describing as an unusual incident. The rapper reportedly passed away while attempting to evade a confrontation with law enforcement officials.
Details of the Incident
The hip-hop performer, whose legal name was Kenneth Edward Bailey, succumbed to his injuries at Grady Marcus Trauma Center in Atlanta. He sustained a leg injury while climbing a fence, according to initial reports from TMZ.
Police Respond to Disturbance
Law enforcement officers were dispatched to a residence in southeast Atlanta after receiving reports of gunfire and a woman being forcibly taken back inside a home as she tried to escape, as reported by 11 Alive, citing Atlanta Police Department Lieutenant Andrew Smith.
Eyewitness Account and Pursuit
Upon arrival, officers encountered a man who opened the door briefly before quickly closing it. Subsequently, two males were observed fleeing from the rear of the property as police established a perimeter, sources indicate.
“One individual returned inside the residence. The second individual jumped over two fences while escaping. Upon locating him on the other side of the fence, officers noted he appeared to have suffered a leg injury,” stated Lieutenant Smith during a Friday night press briefing.
Death Investigation Underway
Bailey was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Atlanta Medical Examiner’s Office has stated that the precise cause of the rapper’s death remains under investigation, 11 Alive reported.
Police Clarify Circumstances
Lieutenant Smith, who did not initially identify Bailey by name, refuted initial claims that Young Scooter had been fatally shot by police officers.
“To be unequivocally clear, the injury sustained was not inflicted by officers at the scene. It occurred while the individual was fleeing,” he clarified.
Young Scooter’s Background and Career Highlights
Born in South Carolina, Bailey relocated to Atlanta with his family at the age of nine, according to Billboard.
He achieved his first regional success with the track “Colombia” in 2012, the same year he signed with fellow Atlanta rapper Future’s Freebanz record label. In 2014, he collaborated with Future, Juicy J, and Young Thug on “DI$Function.” He also featured on Young Thug’s track “Guwop” in 2016, alongside Quavo and Offset of Migos, the outlet added.
Chart Success
“Guwop” reached No. 45 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2018, his collaboration “Jet Lag” with Future and Juice WRLD peaked at No. 72 on Billboard’s Top 100 Songs.
Request for Comment
The APD has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Post.