Bob Marley’s grandson, Joseph ‘Jo’ Mersa Marley, has died at the age of 31. TMZ reports the reggae artist passed away on Tuesday (December 27) to asthma-related conditions.
Also Read: Bob Marley Cause Of Death, Funeral And Grandchildren
Mersa was the son of Stephen Marley, and the grandson of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. He is also the eldest child of his father and the second grandchild of Bob Marley. He’s survived by his father, Stephen Marley, his wife Qiara Marley, daughter, and 12 siblings.
Joseph Mersa Marley Cause Of Death
About six months after his death, the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has revealed that Joe Mersa Marley died of “acute asthma exacerbation” after being infected with rhinovirus or enterovirus, which comes with a regular cold virus.
The Medical Examiner’s Office notes that Marley, who had a history of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia had not been taking his prescription for his asthma diagnosis at the time of his death. According to the report, he was also examined for a chest abscess in March, months before his death.
“An acute asthma exacerbation due to viral illness is a common occurrence and considered a non-allergic event,” read the report. “Additionally, chronic smoking of combustible products such as tobacco or marijuana is dangerous in a person with asthma.”
Rolling Stone reports a toxicology report detected THC, the chemical in marijuana, along with naloxone and 0.08% of ethanol in his body at the time of his death, (Naloxone is commonly used to reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids).
The singer was found “unresponsive” in the parking lot of a Ross Dress for Less inside his vehicle on Boxing Day, Dec. 26, 2022. He was eventually pronounced dead after officers failed in their attempts to revive him.
The body reportedly had no proof of injury, however the Coroner’s report said his lungs were discolored from smoking, which might have aggravated his asthma.
The report additionally shows that Marley had spoken to his mother the day before his passing, and “illuminated her he was feeling sick, apparently because of his asthma.”
Tributes
The Jamaican/reggae community confirmed the news of his death with tribute messages on Social media.
Sean Paul wrote, “Cyah belive young soldier. R.I.P G @jomersamarley condolences 2 #stephenmarley an the entire marley fam. All his freinds an fanz.”
“So saddened by the news of the passing of this youngking @josephmarley sending prayers and condolences to the Marley family,” wrote Shaggy on Instagram.
Jesse Royal, who was a close friend of Jo Mersa, wrote, “My heart is truly aching… Jo was such a solid loyal and direct individual. An incredible and dedicated father, A friend u could always count on and a Lion who a govern him Jungle. Jo Always ago tell you how him feel despite feelings. The memories are too numerous to mention, the laughs were too real to forget but at the moment the pain is inconsolable. I’ve seen you grow thru so many changes and stages and only kept getting better and better Broo! I pray that the world gets a chance to hear every piece of art u have ever created!! Even the demos because they are that good! Broooo mi still can’t even believe this is real. Sincerest condolences to the family Jah Know Mers #HurtingInside.”
Bounty Killer added on IG, “Jah know star let’s all just cherish each moment from here on since non of us never know the time. My deepest sincere condolences goes out to #StephenRagga and the whole Marley family.”
Joseph Mersa Marley Life And Obituary
Joseph Mersa Marley, known in the music world as Jo Mersa attended Saint Peter and Paul Preparatory School during his early years in Jamaica, before relocating to Florida where he attended Palmetto High School. He would ultimately graduate from Miami Dade College with a degree in audio engineering.
Though his foray into music began in 2010, Jo would have to wait four years before dropping his debut EP “Comfortable.” The 6-track project included tracks like “Rock and Swing” and “Bogus,” and featured fellow reggae artists Jemere Morgan and Wayne Marshall. He also released the hit single, “Burn It Down,” in 2016. His second album, ‘Eternal’ arrived last year with appearances from Melii, Black-Am-i, Busy Signal, and Kabaka Pyramid.
Prior to the tragic incident, Joseph Marley was on tour with Kabaka Pyramid for his ‘The Kalling’ U.S tour.
Condolences to his family.
