Tragic loss: Musical prodigy Nell Smith dies at 17
Nell Smith, the singer who collaborated with the band The Flaming Lips and was referred to by some as a "musical prodigy," has passed away. The artist died at the age of only 17. She was due to release her debut album next year.
Nell Smith, aged 17, has died - the artist famous for her collaboration with The Flaming Lips. The tragic news was announced by Simon Raymonde, bassist and keyboardist of the band Cocteau Twins. The 17-year-old passed away this past weekend.
We are all shocked and devastated to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of our artist and dear friend Nell Smith, over the weekend in British Columbia. Nell was just 17 and was preparing for the release of her first solo record in early 2025 on Bella Union, made in Brighton with Penelope Isles’ Jack and Lily Wolter’ — the musician reported.
According to reports from sources including the "Daily Mail", — Wayne Coyne, vocalist of The Flaming Lips, announced during a concert in Portland that the singer died in a car accident.
We have a very sad announcement to make tonight. We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago, an album full of songs by Nick Cave. We have some very sad messages today – she was killed in a car accident last night (October 6). We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love — Coyne said.
Nell's family also confirmed the death of the teenager, stating that she was "cruelly taken away." — It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night — the singer's relatives wrote.
Nell Smith was a rising star in music
It is worth noting that Smith was originally from the UK and moved to Canada when she was ten years old. She was predicted to have a significant musical career. The teenager was a guitarist and wrote her songs. She recorded the album "Where The Viaduct Looms" with The Flaming Lips. She was just 14 at the time!
Independent.co.uk called the 17-year-old a "musical prodigy." Nell herself emphasised that she always loved music and began creating her songs at the age of 12.
