ATLANTA, GA / EWA BEACH, HI — The local music community and grieving loved ones are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of PopStarz Kellum, a 37-year-old rising musical talent who tragically died in a high-impact car crash early Saturday morning, July 12, 2025, near Renton Road and Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The devastating two-vehicle collision also left multiple others injured, including two teenagers and a 72-year-old man.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, the accident was reported at approximately 5:40 a.m. Kellum, reportedly driving at a high rate of speed, collided with another vehicle. The force of the impact was so violent that Kellum’s vehicle became airborne, flipped, and eventually ejected him from the car onto a grassy median. Police confirmed that Kellum was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash — a detail that may have proved critical in the fatal outcome.
Emergency Response and Victim Impact
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived swiftly at the scene and initiated advanced life support measures. Despite their quick efforts, Kellum was pronounced dead on scene, succumbing to extensive injuries sustained from the violent ejection and rollover.
In total, five individuals were involved in the crash, three of whom were transported to a nearby hospital. The injured — including two teenagers and a 72-year-old man — suffered multiple traumatic injuries and were reported in serious but stable condition as of the latest update.
The crash prompted a full closure of Renton Road and Fort Weaver Road for several hours, with the road reopening by 10:20 a.m. Investigators from HPD’s Traffic Division remained on-site conducting scene analysis, taking statements from witnesses, and assessing whether alcohol, drugs, or mechanical failure may have also contributed to the crash. As of now, speed is considered a primary contributing factor, but the full scope of causality remains under investigation.
Mourning a Bright Star
Known offstage as a devoted friend, family member, and artist, PopStarz Kellum was remembered by friends as a bright light in every room, with a vibrant, magnetic energy that touched the lives of many. Born and raised in Hawaii, he had deep roots in the community but had recently been expanding his musical reach, working in Atlanta, Georgia, and connecting with broader audiences through genre-blending sounds and emotionally resonant lyrics.
On social media, tributes from fans and local collaborators poured in.
“This hurts so much,” wrote one friend. “Kellum was just getting started. He had so much talent and so much heart. This world doesn’t feel right without him.”
Another shared, “PopStarz Kellum wasn’t just a performer. He was a storyteller, a healer, and a dreamer. He made us dance, cry, and believe.”
A number of local artists and producers also recalled recent studio collaborations, praising his versatility, humility, and hunger to create music that “meant something.”
A Legacy Cut Short
Though Kellum’s life was tragically cut short, many believe his legacy will live on. He had recently recorded unreleased tracks and hinted at a forthcoming EP on his social media channels. Discussions have already begun about possibly releasing his final recordings posthumously, ensuring that his artistic voice continues to reach and inspire listeners.
Beyond music, those who knew Kellum best described him as a loving son, loyal friend, and gentle spirit who brought joy and laughter into the lives of others. His death has left a gaping void in the lives of those who shared everyday moments with him — from quiet conversations over coffee to the electric nights on stage.
A Community in Grief
In the wake of the accident, the community has come together in grief and solidarity. Plans are underway for a public vigil and memorial event, which will allow friends, fans, and collaborators to celebrate his life through music, stories, and shared memories.
Community leaders and public safety officials have also renewed calls for vigilance on the roads, particularly emphasizing the importance of seatbelt use and speed awareness.
“We lost someone vibrant and irreplaceable today,” said one local activist. “Let his death not be in vain. Let it remind us how fragile life is and how important it is to take precautions — for ourselves and for others on the road.”
Looking Ahead: Investigation Continues
The Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division continues to investigate the incident thoroughly. They are working to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash, examine both vehicles for any defects, and determine whether charges or citations are warranted against any other party involved.
As of now, authorities have not released the identity of the other driver involved in the collision. No criminal charges have been filed, but toxicology reports and scene data may shed more light in the coming days.
Final Reflections
The tragedy that took PopStarz Kellum has served as a heartbreaking reminder that lives can be altered—or ended—in an instant. His death has galvanized conversations about road safety, young talent lost too soon, and the enduring power of music to connect, comfort, and carry on.
To those who knew him, Kellum was more than a stage name. He was a force — one whose music pulsed with truth, whose laughter lingered long after a conversation ended, and whose dream was to bring the world a little closer through rhythm and rhyme.
As his loved ones grieve and his community begins the long road of healing, his message remains:
“Don’t just live. Shine.”
Rest in peace, PopStarz Kellum — your melody lives on.