A 14-year-old boy identified by his family as a nephew of rapper 21 Savage has died following a tragic shooting incident that left his younger sister injured, according to family statements and police information.
Authorities said officers responded Wednesday after receiving reports of gunfire and discovered two teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds.
The boy, identified by police as Seven Shirley, was found with a gunshot wound and no signs of life. His 12-year-old sister, identified by family as Lyric Shirley, was also injured and transported to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.
The family is now mourning the loss while calling attention to concerns surrounding young people’s access to firearms.
Police Respond After Reported Shooting
According to police, officers arrived at the scene after reports of gunfire and found both teenagers injured.
Authorities said Seven was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lyric suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and has undergone multiple surgeries following the incident. Her current recovery timeline remains unclear.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are being investigated.
The family has shared its account of what happened, including the belief that Seven died by suicide after the shooting involving his sister.
Grandmother Shares Emotional Account
Seven’s grandmother, Sharon Smith, who said she raised him from the time he was 11 months old, spoke with 11 Alive about the heartbreaking incident.
Smith said she believes Seven made the decision to take his own life shortly after the shooting.
She described her belief that he may have been overwhelmed by fear about the consequences of what happened.
“Just that fast that boy had made the decision to kill himself.”
Smith also said she does not know how Seven obtained the firearm and expressed hope that whoever provided the gun would be held accountable.
Her comments highlight the family’s concerns about how a teenager was able to access a weapon.
21 Savage Pays Tribute
Following Seven’s death, 21 Savage shared a tribute to the young boy on social media.
The rapper posted a childhood photo of Seven with the caption:
“Remember when you was a baby.”
According to 11 Alive, the family identified 21 Savage as an uncle figure to Seven.
The rapper has not publicly commented on additional details surrounding the incident.
Family Calls for Action on Gun Access
As they grieve, Seven and Lyric’s family released a statement calling for greater efforts to prevent minors from accessing firearms.
The family asked the community to support efforts aimed at reducing illegal firearm access among young people.
“Far too many young lives are being taken by senseless gun violence.”
The statement also emphasized the need to protect children and prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.
Why It Matters
The tragedy has renewed conversations around youth safety, firearm access, and the devastating consequences that can follow when children gain access to weapons.
Cases involving young victims often raise difficult questions about accountability, prevention, and how communities can better protect children.
For Seven’s family, the focus now remains on grieving their loss and supporting Lyric’s recovery.
The Human Angle
Behind the headlines are two children and a family facing an unimaginable situation.
Seven’s grandmother described raising him from infancy, while loved ones continue hoping for Lyric’s recovery after her injuries.
The family’s message extends beyond their personal loss, urging communities to take action to prevent firearms from reaching children.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the U.S. and Canada, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
