Musician Joseph 'Jo Mersa' Marley has died at 31: Grandson of Bob Marley Reportedly Died From Asthma Attack

Photo Courtesy Instagram/@joemesamarley

Joseph "Jo Mersa" Marley, the scion of Grammy Award-winning Jamaican-American musician Stephen Marley and grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, has died.

According to reporting from Abka Fitz-Henley, a journalist based in Jamaica who was one of the first to break the story, the 31-year-old Jamaican-American reggae artist was found unresponsive in a vehicle on Tuesday.

Representatives for the singer confirmed his death to the media but did not give a cause, however, Florida radio station WZPP posted that it has confirmed his passing was due to an asthma attack. 

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

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness was one of many to pay tribute following the news of Marley's death.

"I extend my deepest condolences to Stephen, Jo’s mom, Kerry, the Marleys and other family members," Holness — who hosted the artist in May when he performed as part of the festivities for an event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the island country in Florida — wrote on Twitter.

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A post shared by 92.7/96.1 FM WZOP/WZPP RADIO (@wzppradio)

Holness said Marley's untimely death was a huge loss to the music world, adding, "May he find Eternal Peace as we mourn his loss during this season of goodwill when we celebrate with family and friends our love for each other."

The Jamaican-born musician moved to Miami when he was 11. He attended school in the states, including a stint at Miami-Dade College studying studio engineering, but it was clear that he would join the family business early on.

A multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, he released his first song as a teen and went on to release two albums, 2014's "Comfortable" and "Eternal" in 2021. Marley was best known for his 2016 single "Burn it Down," featuring his brother Yohan.