First, we want to pay our respects to the family of Rapper Yung Joc, who is facing an incredible loss. The Atlanta artist and radio personality is grieving after three of his brother’s children—Jhacari White, 4, Xyla White, 2, and Xhalia White, just 9 months old—tragically died in an apartment fire earlier this week in Atlanta. The devastating incident occurred on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Country Oaks Apartments.
It’s just an unbelievable loss.
On February 21, Yung Joc opened up about his deep sorrow on his Streetz Morning Takeover radio show, sharing the pain his family is enduring after this incomprehensible tragedy. “I intentionally did not want to speak out on it because I did not want to overshadow this story,” he explained, struggling to hold back emotion. “I’m hurt. My family is hurting, my brother is hurting, his girlfriend is hurting.”
Joc’s voice visibly quivered as he recalled attending a candlelight vigil for the children, which took on an even more heart-wrenching significance because it coincided with Xyla’s birthday. “I went to the candlelight vigil last night, and it wasn’t just for their lives being lost, but it was Xyla’s birthday,” Joc said, his grief palpable.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, all three children died as a result of smoke inhalation. The Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that EMS personnel arrived promptly, performing CPR on the children, but despite their best efforts, they could not be revived. “My heart goes out to this family that has just lost a three-year-old, a two-year-old, and a 10-month-old right here in our community,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “I’m sure the neighbors, family members, and all involved in this are just devastated.”
The fire, was contained to a second-story apartment within a three-story building, was determined to have been caused by an electrical malfunction. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, but tragically, the children could not survive the smoke inhalation.
In the midst of the chaos, we want to highlight a courageous neighbor, Ashanti Ray, who rushed to assist. She described the frantic scene in which the children’s father was desperately attempting to save them. “I was just walking past and heard a loud noise and it was the father and he was screaming, ‘Call 911, call 911.’ He was trying to get the kids out, and he asked me to help,” Ray recalled. She hurried into the smoke-filled apartment, detailing the harrowing conditions she encountered. “There was smoke everywhere and fire coming out of the building. He had already gotten them halfway out of the room.”
Ray, still in shock from the traumatic experience, expressed her anguish over the children’s loss. “I was just thinking about the kids, just trying to get the kids,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.
This tragic fire also raises concerns about fire safety within the complex. A previous fire in July 2024 had displaced 36 residents, prompting questions about the overall safety of the building. In response, First Deputy Fire Chief James McLemore assured residents that the Fire Marshal’s team would thoroughly inspect the property to ensure it meets safety standards. “This is an urgent matter on our behalf,” McLemore said. “The Fire Marshal and his team will be out here to check and inspect and make sure that it is up to compliance.”
Condolences and prayers have flooded their family’s social media accounts, offering comfort during this tough time.
RIP Jhacari, Xyla White, and Xhalia.