Lil Phat dead: Melvin Vernell III shot outside an Atlanta hospital

Up-and-coming Trill Entertainment rapper Lil Phat was shot and killed Thursday (June 7) outside an Atlanta hospital. The 19-year-old was probably best known for appearing on label mate Webbie's hit track "Independent."

According to Reuters, Melvin Vernell III, aka Lil Phat, was found shot multiple times in a car on the second level of the parking deck near Northside Hospital Women's Center and was later pronounced dead.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that police are searching for two men who were seen fleeing the scene.

Rapper Webbie tweeted Thursday, "RIP TO MY LIL BROTHER PHAT! LIFE SO F---ED UP! TRILL4LIFE."

Check out Lil Phat's work on Webbie's "Independent."