Young Scooter’s Death Ruled Accidental by Medical Examiner, Confirms No Gunshot Wound

The death of Atlanta rapper Young Scooter has officially been ruled an accident, according to a new report released by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The report states that Kenneth Bailey, known professionally as Young Scooter, died from a penetrating injury to his right thigh caused by a piece of wooden fencing or debris. The injury resulted in significant blood loss. Contrary to speculation on social media, the medical examiner confirmed that no gunshot wound was involved.

Bailey died on March 29, his 39th birthday, after sustaining the fatal injury while fleeing from police in Atlanta’s Lakewood Heights neighborhood. According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers were responding to a 911 call involving reports of gunfire and a woman being dragged into a home on William Nye Drive SE.

When officers arrived, a man briefly opened the door and then shut it on them. As police set up a perimeter around the home, two men attempted to flee out the back. Bailey, while running from the scene, reportedly jumped at least one fence and injured his leg in the process.

Police say they rendered aid at the scene before transporting Bailey to Grady Marcus Trauma Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Despite the official findings, rumors continued to spread online, with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Thug posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Autopsy came back street got shot.” The name “Street” is believed to reference Young Scooter, whose Instagram display name includes the nickname.

In response, the Atlanta Police Department issued a public statement pushing back against misinformation:

“While we understand that many people are saddened by his passing, it is important to recognize that Atlanta police officers neither discharged their firearms nor used any force against Mr. Bailey.”

The 911 call that brought officers to the scene remains a point of concern. In the call, a woman—who identified herself as being part of a neighborhood watch—claimed to witness a naked woman being dragged into the house and referenced the possible presence of a baby. However, officers say no victim was found and there was no evidence supporting the caller’s claims. Authorities are now asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman who placed the call.

Young Scooter was a respected figure in Atlanta’s rap scene, known for his street-rooted lyricism and collaborations with artists like Future, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne. His 2012 mixtape Street Lottery and hit single Colombia helped cement his place in Southern hip-hop.

While an exact cause of death is still pending further examination, the ruling that the injury was not caused by gunfire is expected to calm speculation surrounding the case.