Atlanta Community Celebrates Young Scooter’s Life With Balloon Release Vigil

A wave of love, grief, and unanswered questions swept through Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood on Wednesday night (April 3) as hundreds gathered to honor the life and legacy of rapper Young Scooter. The artist, born Kenneth Edward Rashaad Bailey, sadly died on his 39th birthday after suffering a fatal injury while running from police.

Family, friends, fans, and fellow artists came together at the vigil to celebrate the man they knew as more than just a rapper, but someone who meant a lot to his community. “He gets so much love because he gave so much and he embodied so much love — he was love,” said Baby Jade, a close family friend and well-known podcast host of 11 Alive reported from the scene.

At the vigil, the atmosphere appeared to be both mournful and celebratory of Scooter’s life. Red, white, and blue balloons floated into the sky. Music producer ATL Jacob, a close collaborator, offered words of comfort. “If y’all going through whatever, feel the music,” he said. “Let it resonate with you and carry you through.”

Rapper, Ralo, also shared a deeply personal memory: “I grew up in his household, on his sofa. I slept in his bed. His momma took me in when my momma wasn’t able to.” He also expressed heartbreaking regret: “Me and Scooter were going through things before this, and I just wish I would’ve fixed it. I gotta live with that for the rest of my life.”

Scooter’s mother, brother, and children stood at the center of the gathering, leaning on the community for strength and encouragement.

See above.

Scooter’s death unfolded after a chaotic and tragic sequence of events that began with a 911 “swatter” call placed by Demi Blanco (born Demetria Spencer), a reality star known from Zeus Network’s Baddies. Spencer has since been under public scrutiny for what authorities say was a false report.

In her initial call, she claimed to be part of the “Neighborhood Watch” and reported seeing a “naked and bloody” woman being assaulted outside a home in Atlanta’s Lakewood Heights neighborhood. That call prompted an immediate police response to the home, where Young Scooter had been present.

When officers arrived, they reported seeing Bailey attempt to flee. While trying to scale a wooden fence, he suffered a severe arterial injury to his thigh. The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death as “accidental” due to blood loss from that injury. Police have since emphasized they never discharged their firearms or used force.

“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 department said in a statement.

Audio from the 911 call later revealed Spencer struggled to provide a clear description of the alleged assailant, and responding officers found no evidence to support her claims. On April 1, Spencer attempted to explain herself during an Instagram Live, saying, “There’s a reaction for every action. This is part A, you guys didn’t have part A, you guys only had part B.” She continued, “In the narrative it looks like I’m trying to set this man up. I’m giving you what led up to the call. I was physically abused, so I called to protect myself. I never had any intentions to get anybody hurt.”

Spencer was arrested and charged with transmitting a false public alarm.

The family, still reeling from the sudden loss, released a statement to VIBE this week expressing their devastation and the need for clarity. “We are completely devastated by the loss of Kenneth ‘Young Scooter’ Bailey and are currently still waiting for more information to understand the circumstance,” the statement read. “Young Scooter was more than just a Hip-Hop artist; he was a phenomenal father and mentor to a lot of Atlanta youth pursuing both sports and music. Scooter was their advocate and support system. He always encouraged his children and the youth to pursue their dreams no matter what.”

The message concluded with a heartfelt plea: “The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and love from the city and all over the country. At this time, they are requesting privacy and prayers as they grieve and wait for answers.”

VIBE sends condolences to Young Scooter’s loved ones, friends, and fans.