Memphis Musician Blake Rhea Allegedly killed in shooting Incident

On Wednesday morning, the Memphis music scene was rocked by the news that musician Blake Rhea was reportedly shot and killed. The Memphis police Department shared that officers responded to a shooting at 322 S. Cleveland at 1:13 a.m. Unfortunately, Rhea was pronounced dead at the scene, and a male suspect fled the area.

According to the police, “the victim and suspect were involved in a verbal altercation before the shooting.” The day after the incident, Edward Wurl, 51, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for allegedly taking Rhea’s life, as well as being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

Blake Rhea was not just any musician; he had a deep-rooted connection to Memphis. A graduate of Memphis University School and Rhodes College, he played bass for Southern Avenue, a prominent blues band known for their Grammy-nominated work. He was also involved with groups like CYC, which blended various musical styles including hip-hop and jazz.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Rhea contributed to the community by working at the School of Rock in Germantown. His loss is felt deeply not only among friends and family but also across the vibrant Memphis music community. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the violence that can affect even the most passionate artists and their craft.