Nell Smith, Music Prodigy and Flaming Lips Collaborator, Dies at 17 (‘True Blood,’ ‘Days of Our Lives’)
The 17-year-old Canadian singer was a rising talent who had previously worked with the Flaming Lips. Her family mourned her death with an emotional statement posted to Instagram Monday, Oct. 7.
Family’s Emotional Statement
Her family described her in a statement issued by Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike as being “very unwell”
It hurts us so very much to say that our bold, principled, rare and precious daughter was taken from us late Saturday night. We are stunned and at a loss for words. It feels far too soon, and she had so much more to do and give in this world, but we are thankful that she experienced as much as she did in 17 years. She has left the world an indelible legacy and imparted a fainter chasm in our hearts.”
In a statement, the family requested privacy as they mourn their loved one: “Please hold your babies extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to begin the grieving process.” So, yes, “Help when we shout”.
Cause of Death
Though the cause of her death has not been confirmed by Nell’s family, Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne told a Portland, Oregon crowd she was involved in a car accident. Coyne broke the sad news to fans, saying, “We have a very sad announcement. Last night our beloved pal Nell… in Canada went out with more than a bang. She died last night in a car crash. Music is magic, and we are reminded of that again.
A Promising Career Cut Short
She produced a debut single at 16 and drew notice in 2021 for her work with Flaming Lips on their Nick Cave covers album Where the Viaduct Looms. That relationship started in 2018 when a 12 year-old Gabi turned up at one of their shows dressed as a parrot and caught the eye of Wayne Coyne. As they grew closer, Coyne began to nurture her own musical talent and the highly unconventional creative partnership we have today.
Simon Raymonde, one of the founders of Bella Union which will release Nell’s debut solo album in 2025, posted a touching memory on Instagram. Nell had just turned 17 and was getting ready to release her first solo album when she died, he said, adding: “We are utterly devastated by the loss of our beloved Nell; it has been like living in a nightmare. Nell had so much talent and this feels like an immeasurable loss to those closest to her as well as the music industry.”
A Loss the Entire Music World Felt
Fans and musicians everywhere have been paying tribute to Nell — as an artist who died well before her time, but nonetheless left behind a significant impact. Coyne ended his touching tribute with a performance of “Everything Has Changed” to honor the memory of Greenwood, speaking to the deep connection he and every one of us have through music in difficult times.
Nell reminds us that life is ephemeral, theatrical or not, but that the power of her soul will glow as long as those whose hearts she touched keep it alive.
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