The music world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a young and talented rapper, Rylo Huncho, who accidentally shot himself while recording a video for social media. At just 17 years old, Huncho’s promising career was only beginning to flourish, leaving family, friends, and fans devastated by his untimely death.
Rising Star with a Growing Fanbase
Born Raleigh Freeman III, Rylo Huncho had already started carving a name for himself in the competitive music industry. Known for his catchy tracks like Money Getta, Bag Talk, and La la la, the young artist had gained over 600 monthly listeners on Spotify, a noteworthy milestone for someone at the start of their career. His influence extended beyond music platforms, as he also built a solid following on Instagram and TikTok, where his personality and creativity resonated with fans.
Supporters rallied behind Huncho’s music, forming a community that believed in his potential. Described as vibrant and talented, the teenager’s death has left a void for those who admired his journey.
The Tragic Incident
On May 15, tragedy struck when Huncho accidentally shot himself while recording content for social media. The incident took place in Suffolk, Virginia, where the rapper was filming a video featuring him singing, dancing, and holding a pistol with a green laser attachment. In the footage, Huncho appears to deactivate the safety of the firearm and unintentionally points it toward his head. Moments later, a gunshot is heard, and the camera abruptly falls.
Huncho was rushed to a local hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead on May 16. The Suffolk Police Department confirmed that the teenager died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which they believe was accidental. While authorities initially withheld his identity, family and friends later confirmed that it was Rylo Huncho who had passed away.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Huncho’s death has been particularly devastating for his mother, Monica Savage, who described her son as her world. Speaking to an ABC affiliate, Savage expressed her shock and grief, revealing that she was unaware her son had access to a firearm. “I didn’t know he had a gun. I did not know he had that,” she said, struggling to come to terms with the circumstances of his death.
The tragedy also hit Huncho’s extended family hard. His cousin, Avis Hawkins, shared her disbelief, saying, “When I got the news that he had been shot, it was a total shock to me. And when I heard that it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, it’s still a hard pill to swallow.”
Community Support and Memorial Efforts
In the wake of Huncho’s passing, a GoFundMe page was created by his cousin to support his grieving mother. The page highlighted the profound bond between Huncho and his mom, describing her as a single parent who did everything she could to provide for her only child. “It was always her and her son,” the description read, urging supporters to help during this unimaginably difficult time. Although the fundraiser is no longer accepting donations, it served as a testament to the community’s outpouring of love and support.
A Preventable Tragedy
Rylo Huncho’s death has reignited discussions about firearm safety, particularly among teenagers. According to Kelly Drane, Research Director at GIFFORDS Law Center, approximately 76 teenagers die from unintentional gunshot wounds each year in the United States, with 40% of those incidents being self-inflicted. Drane emphasized the importance of secure gun storage, urging parents to take precautions to ensure firearms are inaccessible to children and teenagers. “Making sure the gun is locked and locked away in such a way that the kid can’t get access” is critical, she stated.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for gun safety education and stricter measures to prevent similar incidents. It also serves as a stark reminder of how a single moment of carelessness can have irreversible consequences.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Rylo Huncho’s passing leaves a profound sense of loss for those who knew him personally and for the fans who believed in his potential. At just 17 years old, he had already begun to make waves in the music industry, showcasing talent that could have taken him far. His death serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of firearm misuse and a call to cherish the lives of those around us.
As his family, friends, and fans grapple with this tragedy, Rylo Huncho’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding young individuals from preventable dangers.