Photo Credit: Jo Mersa Marley YouTube
Bob Marley’s grandson, Jo Mersa Marley, passed away at age 31. Details for the cause of his death are unknown at this time.
A representative for the reggae artist confirmed the news to Rolling Stone on December 27. Marley was born on March 12, 1991, in Kingston, Jamaica. He collaborated with his cousin Daniel Bambaata Marley on his debut song, “My Girl.” Marley dropped his debut album called Eternal in 2021.
The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, mourned the news via Twitter. “My heartfelt sympathies to Joseph’s friends and associates and to the reggae music fraternity and fans everywhere. His untimely passing at the young age of 31 is a huge loss to the music as we look to the next generation. May he find eternal peace as we mourn his loss during this season of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends and our love for each other.”
No official cause of death was released, but WZPP Radio in Miami has reported that he was found in his car and allegedly passed away after a severe asthma attack. Marley moved to Florida and attended Miami Dade College and studied studio engineering. He leaves behind his wife, Qiara, and his daughter, Sunshine.
Following news of the death, reggae fans from across the world shared their heartfelt sympathies on Instagram and Twitter. “This is truly sad news; sending strength to the Marley family at this time,” writes one fan. “God bless the Marley family and all the beautiful people of Jamaica,” reads another. Despite being from a famous musical family, Marley was determined to pave his own path in the industry.
“I am one of the new generation of Marleys, but I am still experimenting at the same time,” he told Rolling Stone in an interview. “My plan is to do something new with my roots.”