Kaylah Walton
The hip-hop community is mourning the unexpected passing of Rich Homie Quan, a prominent rapper from Atlanta, whose death in early September has been officially identified as an accidental drug overdose.
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, the 33-year-old artist, whose real name was Dequantes Devontay Lamar, died due to a mix of fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, and promethazine.
Death Occurs at Home in Atlanta
Information about his death became public on September 5 when Grady Memorial Hospital informed authorities.
Following an autopsy the next day, the causes were attributed to the effects of the substances, leading to a determination of accidental death.
Initially found unresponsive by his partner, she thought he was merely asleep on the couch. Upon returning after taking her son to school, she noticed he hadn’t moved and called 911, stating he was not breathing and had foam around his mouth.
Upon arrival, police found him unresponsive and not breathing.
Additional insights from a report indicate that his brother had earlier discovered him unconscious on the kitchen floor, and after helping him to the sofa, left without realizing the gravity of the situation.
A Tragic Loss in the Music Industry
Following his death, social media buzzed with speculation about drug use, which was later validated by the medical examiner’s findings.
Rich Homie Quan’s death is another reminder of the increasing toll that substance abuse takes on artists, raising alarms within the musical realm.
He gained fame in 2013 with the hit song “Type of Way,” which made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Further hits like “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh)” in 2015, as well as collaborations with notable figures like 2 Chainz and Jacquees, highlighted his career trajectory.
Additionally, he worked with Young Thug on the Cash Money Records project “Rich Gang.”
Quan’s funeral took place on September 17, but it sparked controversy when fellow rapper Ralo live-streamed the service on Instagram, inviting significant backlash from fans who deemed it disrespectful.
Despite previous conflicts, Ralo expressed his appreciation for having reconciled with Quan prior to his death, offering support to the family during this hard period.
Rich Homie Quan’s passing has left a significant impact on the Atlanta music scene, with numerous fans and artists honoring his legacy and talents.
