Sophia Michaels
Five days after his tragic death, Juice WRLD’s closest relatives and friends gathered to pay their respects on Friday.
According to TMZ, the “Lucid Dreams” rapper was laid to rest in an open-casket funeral at Holy Temple Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Harvey, Ill., located about 45 minutes south of Chicago.
His mother, Carmella Wallace, delivered a touching tribute to her son, along with Juice’s siblings and grandmother. Executives and staffers from his label Interscope Records were also in attendance, along with his friend and collaborator, Ski Mask the Slump God.
“We loved Jarad with all of our hearts and cannot believe our time with him has been cut short,” his mother told TMZ earlier this week. “Jarad was a son, brother, grandson, friend and so much more to so many people who wanted more than anything to see him defeat addiction.”
The funeral program featured a photo of Juice, born Jarad Anthony Higgins, on the cover. Inside, there was a collage of photos from his childhood and career, along with personal tributes from family members, and an obituary.
“Jarad was a kid and loving person who left a lasting impression on those he interacted with,” reads the obituary, which also mentions his “special friend” Ally Lotti. “His laugh was contagious, and he had a way of lighting up a room.”
On Sunday, the 21-year-old rapper died after suffering a seizure following a flight to Chicago. Authorities believe he overdosed on Percocet pills, but additional testing is needed before an official cause of death can be determined. Feds seized 70 pounds of weed and bottles of codeine from his private plane.
In the wake of his death, there have been tributes from fans and friends, including Trippie Redd and Nicki Minaj, who dedicated her speech at Thursday’s Billboard Women in Music event to her tourmate. “I felt like he was a kindred spirit and looking back now, I wish I did something differently or said something to help,” she said.
Written by: Rap
