Jamaican-American reggae artist Joseph Mersa Marley is dead at the age of 31.
According to the Daily Mail, the musician was found unresponsive in a vehicle in the United States on Tuesday, according to the streaming service TIDAL.
The initial announcement did not specify a location.
The artist – who went by his stage name Jo Mersa – had reportedly suffered from asthma his entire life, and the Florida radio station WZPP claimed he died of an asthma attack.
He is the grandson of iconic reggae musician Bob Marley and the son of Stephen Marley.
Bob tragically died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36, and is widely considered one of the pioneers of reggae music. The late star had 11 children with seven different partners.
Joseph Mersa Marley spent his early years in Jamaica, where he attended Saints Peter and Paul Preparatory School. He then moved to Florida where he was a student at Palmetto High School. When at Miami Dade College he studied studio engineering.
In 2014 he released the EP called Comfortable and in 2021 he came out with Eternal.
I’ve just learned of the tragic loss of Joseph “Jo Mersa” Marley. A talented young reggae artiste, son of Stephen Marley & grandson of Bob Marley at only 31 yrs old. The loss of a child is a devastating blow no parent should face, my condolences to Stephen & the entire family. pic.twitter.com/BJf1NLH6Qc
— Mark J. Golding (@MarkJGolding) December 27, 2022
and
I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has died.
We were graced by Joseph,whose stage name was Jo Mersa, performing at our Jamaica 60 Launch in Miramar, Florida, USA in May. pic.twitter.com/6DyHkYcNsI
— Hon.Olivia Grange (@Babsy_grange) December 27, 2022
and
My deepest condolences to Stephen Marley and the entire Marley family. May Joseph Marley, better known as Jo Mersa, rest in peace!! My goodness!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/XOVOBaRUDJ
— Maliika Walker (@maliikawalker) December 27, 2022
and
This is truly sad news; sending strength to the Marley family at this time.
Repost/video credit @Babsy_grange :
I am deeply saddened by the news that artiste Joseph Marley, son of Reggae star, Stephen Marley and grand son of Reggae super star, Bob Marley has died. pic.twitter.com/OsXQKYOKEi
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) December 28, 2022
and
Autopsy not yet peformed to confirm cause of death.
However, sources close to the developments believe Joseph Marley might have succumbed to an asthma attack. pic.twitter.com/IXzgfxfkNh
— Abka Fitz-Henley (@AbkaFitzHenley) December 27, 2022
May he RIP
