Local News
Voletta Wallace, Mother of The Notorious B.I.G., Passes Away at 72
Her cause of death has been attributed to natural causes.
Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary rapper The Notorious B.I.G., has passed away at the age of 72.
According to Monroe County Coroner Thomas Yanac, Wallace died on Friday morning in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, while in hospice care.
Her cause of death has been attributed to natural causes.
Wallace dedicated much of her life to preserving and honoring her son’s legacy following his tragic 1997 murder.
As the overseer of Biggie’s estate, she played a crucial role in managing his assets and ensuring that his wealth was passed down to his family, including his daughter, T’yanna Wallace.
Under her stewardship, Biggie’s estate grew significantly, expanding from an estimated $10 million at the time of his death to a current valuation of approximately $160 million.
A steadfast advocate for her son’s legacy, Wallace celebrated Biggie’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and frequently shared updates about his enduring impact on music and culture.
Her social media presence was largely dedicated to her son’s achievements, promoting his foundation, streaming milestones, tribute concerts, and cultural tributes.
In 2009, she played an instrumental role in the release of the biopic “Notorious,” emphasizing the importance of sharing Christopher Wallace’s story with the world.
Born Christopher Wallace, The Notorious B.I.G. was fatally shot in Los Angeles in 1997, just months after the death of fellow rap icon Tupac Shakur.
His mother’s unwavering dedication ensured that his legacy continued to thrive for generations.
It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Deputy Sheriff Carl “Little Chief” Jensen, a deeply respected and dedicated member of the Little River County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Jensen was found deceased earlier this evening after he did not report for his scheduled shift.
Deputy Jensen was more than a colleague—he was a cherished brother in uniform, a trusted protector of the community, and a steadfast public servant whose presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Carl’s journey into law enforcement was driven by a passion to protect those who could not protect themselves.
After completing college, he began his career with Adult Protective Services, investigating allegations of abuse and exploitation in state hospitals, group homes, and home health care settings.
It was during one such case—uncovering the truth behind a complex exploitation investigation—that Carl realized his calling. “I got bit by the law enforcement bug that day,” he once said. “I wanted to help protect and bring justice to those who need it.”
Throughout his career, Deputy Jensen demonstrated extraordinary empathy, integrity, and resilience. He often reflected on the emotional weight of his work, especially when responding to calls on what could be the most difficult days in people’s lives.
“Sometimes, people don’t realize that we’re there to help everyone involved,” he shared. “Even on what could be their worst day, I can do my best to make it better—or at least keep them calm.” His compassion and humanity set an example for us all.
Our deepest condolences and unwavering support go out to Deputy Jensen’s family during this incredibly painful time.
We ask the community to join us in keeping his loved ones and our department in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Deputy Carl Jensen’s legacy of service, kindness, and courage will never be forgotten.
We are grateful for his life, his dedication, and the profound impact he had on those he served and served with.