In a shocking piece of news, teenage prodigy Nell Smith, aged just 17, has been killed in a horrendous car crash.
Known for her astonishing work with The Flaming Lips, the young musician was on the brink of releasing her first album next year. Simon Raymonde of Cocteau Twins fame – whose label welcomed Nell into its family – took to social media to share the heart-rending confirmation of the Canadian singer-songwriter’s death this weekend.
With profound sorrow, he posted: “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.”
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Adding further details about the up-and-comer’s bright future, he shared: “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.”
(Image: Instagram)
The grief was palpable as Nell’s family issued a gut-wrenching statement themselves: “It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night.”
Stricken with unfathomable loss, they continued: “We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say. She had so much more to experience and to give to this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years.”
(Image: Instagram)
In an emotional addition, they highlighted her impactful life: “She has left an indelible mark on the world and an unfillable chasm in our hearts. Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you.”
Wayne Coyne, frontman of The Flaming Lips, was visibly emotional as he paid a heartfelt homage to the young Canadian musician Nell at their recent Polish gig.
Holding back tears, Coyne said in a poignant announcement: “We have a very sad announcement to make tonight,” before recounting their collaboration. “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.”
(Image: Instagram)
Elaborating on the heartbreaking news, he continued: “We have some 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.”
Nell, who came into the spotlight after recording an album of Nick Cave covers at just 14, instantly gained attention from big names in the industry. Her self-produced offering, ‘Where The Viaduct Looms,’ reached The Flaming Lips, leading them to feature on several tracks.
Her wildest dreams materialised when the album dropped in November 2021, and at the fragile age of 14, success followed. On the heels of her first album’s buzz, Nell was piecing together her debut album, slated for an early 2025 release.
Amid the sorrow, the fate of this much-anticipated project remains uncertain after her untimely demise.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
