Update!

Rapper Young Dolph's Cause of Death Revealed

On Nov. 17, 36-year-old rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Memphis, Tenn. A March 2022 autopsy report revealed how he died.

By Cydney Contreras Mar 16, 2022 4:31 PMTags
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UPDATE: Young Dolph died from gunshot wounds of the head, neck and torso, according to an autopsy report released by the Shelby County Medical Examiner in Tennessee and obtained by E! News on March 16. The manner of death was listed as homicide. The rapper suffered 22 gunshot wounds in total before he died, the report said.

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The rap community is mourning the loss of artist Young Dolph.

According to a spokesperson for the Memphis Police Department, a male victim was killed in a drive-by shooting on Wednesday, Nov. 17. Police said preliminary information indicated that the victim is Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., known as Young Dolph. No suspect info is available at this time, Memphis authorities tweeted.

According to multiple outlets, Dolph was visiting the South Memphis bakery Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies at the time of the incident.

Attorney Scott Hall confirmed Dolph's death to NBC News, saying he was in Memphis for his annual Thanksgiving giveaway. The artist, who mostly lives in Atlanta, was scheduled to hand out turkeys in his old neighborhood this afternoon, the lawyer said.

"His plan was to head to the event after his visit to the cookie store," Hall stated.

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In a statement to Variety, APA Agency reflected on his passing. "All of us at APA are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of our dear friend and client, Young Dolph," the statement read. "The world has lost an icon, a great man and beloved artist who has been taken too soon. His dedication, drive, hard work and loyalty to all those around him always came first and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this most difficult time."

Following the news of Dolph's death, numerous members of the rap community expressed condolences to his family on social media.

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Megan Thee Stallion wrote on Twitter, "I am sooo sick rn I am in disbelief! Praying for his family and friends ! Rest In Peace to my friend a true legend dolph."

"R.I.P. to my friend Dolph this broke my heart," Gucci Mane tweeted, and Chance the Rapper said, "God bless Dolph. Real independent Memphis rapper born in chicago. loved by millions of ppl. Always showed love everytime I seen him this is tragic God bless his family man."

Dolph released his first album, King of Memphis, in 2016 following success as an independent artist. The rapper went on to release six more albums, including the 2020 hit Rich Slave.

Outside of the studio, Dolph was a prominent member of the Memphis community. According to Variety, the artist regularly donated turkeys to families in need ahead of Thanksgiving and mentored students at his alma mater, Hamilton High School.

(Originally published Nov. 17, 2022 at 2:23 p.m. PT)

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