A day meant for celebration turned deadly after Young Scooter died on his birthday last night while reportedly trying to run from police.
Young Scooter Flees From Police, Dies From Injuries
On Friday evening (March 28), news began circulating on social media that Young Scooter had passed away. The 39-year-old Atlanta rapper reportedly jumped two fences while running from a home in Atlanta and subsequently injured his leg, according to Lt. Andrew Smith, Homicide Commander with the Atlanta Police Department during a press conference last night. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, 11Alive reports.
Lt. Smith did not confirm Scooter was the man who died after being asked by a reporter to do so. He said the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office will notify the next of kin first before a name is released. An autopsy is expected to be conducted Saturday (March 29).
11Alive journalist Cody Alcorn confirmed with his own sources that Young Scooter died as a result of the incident.
“I can confirm 39-year-old Kenneth Bailey, known as Atlanta based rapper Young Scooter died tonight. @Atlanta_Police said they were pursuing Bailey after a call of a disturbance with weapons. Bailey was one of 2 suspects who ran from a home on William Nye Drive,” he tweeted last night.
Police Provide Details on Young Scooter’s Death
According to a preliminary statement from police, officers responded to the scene at Zone 3 in Atlanta following a report of gunshots fired. Lt. Smith said a woman was dragged back into the location, but upon further investigation no victim was found. When cops arrived at the Atlanta home and knocked on the door, a man opened the door then immediately shut it. Officers began establishing a perimeter around the location when two males fled out of the rear of the house. One man returned back to the home while the man who was later identified as Young Scooter ran away.
Scooter jumped two fences and sustained a leg injury during the foot chase. When officers located him on the other side of the fence, cops rendered aid in the form of a tourniquet. He was transported to the hospital where he died.
Police confirm there were no shots fired during the chase despite rumors going around on social media that stated otherwise.
See the Atlanta Police Department’s complete preliminary statement:
“On March 28th, 2025, at approximately 5:23 p.m., officers responded to 273 William Nye Drive SE in reference to a dispute with possible gunshots being fired. Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with a male who exited the house; however, the male immediately fled from responding officers. After a brief foot chase, officers were able to locate the male and he was found to be suffering from an apparent leg injury. Atlanta police officers did not discharge their firearms.
Officers rendered aid to the male, by applying a tourniquet and he was transported to the hospital for further treatment. Medical personnel later notified the officers that the male had succumbed to his injury and was pronounced deceased. Investigators with the Homicide Unit as well as investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) responded to the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.”
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Hip-Hop Reacts to Young Scooter’s Death
The hip-hop community shared many condolences and thoughts upon hearing the news Scooter died.
Quavo tweeted, “ion understand,” along with emojis of hearts and praying hands and a video for Migos’ song “Holmes” featuring Young Scooter.
Meek Mill admitted he shed tears over the late artist’s passing. “RIP TO SCOOTER……. CRAZY TEARS FOR YOU!!!!!!!” he tweeted.
In a post on X, ATL Jacob shared that the voice for his producer tag was done by Scooter: “ATL Jacob ATL Jacob came from Young Scooter man brudda you forever Legendary.”
Young Scooter, born Kenneth Bailey, was a staple in the Atlanta rap scene, coming up in the 2010s. He signed to Future’s Freebandz record label in 2012. That same year, Scooter dropped his hit song “Columbia,” a storytelling ode dedicated to bricks and beautiful women. A year later, he did a deal with Waka Flocka Flame’s Brick Squad Monopoly imprint. The self-proclaimed Jugg King known for his street savvy bars had a respected catalog including over 20 tapes: one of the same name released in 2017, Street Lottery in 2013, and Free Bricks 2 with Gucci Mane in 2015, among many others. Scooter appeared as a guest feature on many rap collabs from Future, Migos, Young Thug and more. His latest album, Fast Lane Juggin, arrived last month.
Take a look at the hip-hop community mourning the passing of Young Scooter and watch the police press conference on what led to his death below.
