Juice WRLD’s Mother Releases Uplifting Statement In The Wake Of His Death
The music world is continuing to come to terms with the tragic death of Chicago rapper Juice WRLD (real name Jarad Higgins), who unfortunately passed away on December 9 at the tender age of 21. The reality of his loss has weighed heavily on the minds of his industry peers and fans alike as tributes for the late rapper have flooded timelines across social media since Sunday.
TMZ first broke the news that the burgeoning rap star died after he suffered a fatal seizure shortly after his private plane landed at the Chicago Midway Airport in his hometown. Although unconfirmed details surrounding the circumstances of his death have emerged online, the official cause of Juice’s death has not been determined following an initial autopsy.
For the first time since his untimely death, Juice’s family has opened up about losing him in a statement provided to TMZ. The letter was published by the outlet on Thursday morning (Dec. 12).
In the heartrending message, Juice’s mother, Carmella Wallace, said that the family was deeply saddened to learn that their time with Juice 'has been cut short.'
Although the family is still reeling from the shocking loss, Wallace addressed that Juice WRLD had been battling drug addiction for awhile. “As he often addressed in his music and to his fans, Jarad battled with prescription drug dependency,” she wrote.
While Juice’s music often portrayed vivid imagery pertaining to his struggles with drug use, his mother explained that he rapped and sung about his own personal experience in the hopes that it would touch others fighting similar demons.
“Addiction knows no boundaries and its impact goes way beyond the person fighting it. 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," Wallace continued. “We hope the conversations he started in his music and his legacy will help others win their battles as that is what he wanted more than anything.”
In her closing remarks, Wallace expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that has come her family’s way from Juice WRLD’s many fans and close friends, stating, "We know that Jarad's legacy of love, joy and emotional honesty will live on."
BET continues to send its prayers, love and light to the family, friends and fans of Juice WRLD during this difficult time.
Read Juice WRLD’s mother’s letter in full here.
