The passing of the young musical prodigy, Nell Smith, has left a profound void in the hearts of her cherished friends and family. At just 17 years old, Nell, renowned for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips, tragically departed this world on October 5th, sending shockwaves through the community.
"With a heavy heart, we must share that our vibrant, gifted, one-of-a-kind, and radiant daughter was brutally taken from us on Saturday evening," Nell's family mournfully wrote on Instagram two days later. "The news has left us reeling, and we find ourselves at a loss for words and actions."
Nell, who was poised to unleash her debut solo album in early 2025, had already left an indelible mark with her 2021 collaboration with The Flaming Lips on 'Where the Viaduct Looms,' a captivating album of Nick Cave covers. "Though her journey was cut short, she managed to experience a lifetime's worth of wonders in her 17 years," her family reflected. "She has etched her name in the annals of music, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in our hearts. Embrace your loved ones tightly tonight, and please allow us the space to navigate this unimaginable pain. We will reach out when we need you. With love, Jude, Rachel, Jed, and Ike."
While the cause of her untimely demise remained unspoken in the heartfelt post, Wayne Coyne, the frontman of The Flaming Lips, emotionally broke the news to concertgoers in Portland, Oregon, on October 6th. Through tears, he announced, "We received devastating news today that Nell was taken from us in a car accident last night, a stark reminder of the transcendent power of music."
Simone Raymonde, proprietor of Bella Union, the record label set to release Nell's debut solo endeavor, also offered a poignant tribute to the fallen artist. "We are all in a state of profound shock and grief over the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our artist and beloved friend Nell Smith, who passed away over the weekend in British Columbia," Simone penned. "At just 17, Nell was eagerly anticipating the release of her maiden solo album with Bella Union in early 2025."
She continued, "As we struggle to comprehend this unbearable news and out of deep respect for Nell's grieving family, we are unable to offer further comment at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this unimaginably difficult period."
In a heartfelt video shared on YouTube in 2023, Nell eloquently expressed her boundless love for music, appealing to fans for support through her Kickstarter campaign for her solo album. "Music has been a constant companion in my life, as far back as my memory allows," she shared. "It started with simply donning headphones and immersing myself in melodies, then progressed to picking up a guitar and mastering others' compositions. But at the age of 11, I penned my own songs, realizing that it was a remarkable avenue for expressing my innermost thoughts and emotions."
