Mia Armaj Bennett, a social media influencer and musician from Philadelphia known as Petty Levels, has died in Florida at the age of 23. Bennett, who rose to fame with her short freestyle videos on Instagram, amassed over 1 million followers and became a beloved figure in the social media world.
Petty Levels’ cause of death is currently under investigation, as confirmed by Chris Wilkerson, a spokesperson for Hillsborough County. Bennett passed away in Tampa on July 19, and officials from the Tampa Police Department have not yet commented on the circumstances surrounding her death.
Bennett’s family has confirmed her death but has requested privacy during this difficult time. A family member told The Inquirer, “Our family is devastated,” addressing and debunking rumors that Petty Levels was killed in Philadelphia. “We don’t even know exactly what happened so if everybody could just please bear with everybody on this subject, I’m begging you, please.”
The news of Bennett’s death spread rapidly on social media, leading to an outpouring of tributes from her fans, who shared their sorrow and memories of watching her videos. Starting her Instagram account “Petty Levels” as a high school freshman, Bennett’s influence extended beyond Philadelphia, reaching audiences in other cities and even internationally.
Bennett’s Instagram posts often featured her dancing and visiting various destinations like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. She also showcased her adventurous spirit through videos of skydiving, surfing, and snowboarding. Around 2018, Bennett transitioned into music, creating short rap videos that resonated with young women, often discussing her love life.
“I love getting a rise out of people,” Bennett said in a 2019 interview, explaining the origin of her “Petty Levels” moniker. Her unique style and relatable lyrics helped her gain a significant following. In 2020, she was featured alongside rapper Latto on the song “Freak” by Fredo Bang and released her own tracks, including “Malibu” and “Ain’t It.”
Bennett acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from social media fame to a music career but remained optimistic. “Just know that Petty Levels will not just be an Instagram name,” she said in her interview with SayCheeseTV. “Sooner or later it will be on the billboards, it will be on your playlists, it will be on the radio, it will be everywhere you go.”
As her family and fans mourn her sudden passing, Bennett’s impact as Petty Levels, the Philadelphia influencer, on social media and music remains a testament to her talent and influence.
