The Flaming Lips collaborator Nell Smith died at 17

Heartbreak and buzz rocked showbiz this week! The music and pageant communities mourn 17-year-old Nell Smith and Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, while controversy swirls over Meghan Markle and Taylor Swift's appearances. Plus, Trisha Yearwood and Tim McGraw's daughter grabs attention with daring photos. Follow for more updates!

Jonh Nick

Oct 14, 2024 - 04:43

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The Flaming Lips collaborator Nell Smith died at 17

Heartbreak and buzz rocked showbiz this week! The music and pageant communities mourn 17-year-old Nell Smith and Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas, while controversy swirls over Meghan Markle and Taylor Swift's appearances. Plus, Trisha Yearwood and Tim McGraw's daughter grabs attention with daring photos. Follow for more updates!

Heartbreaking Details Inside the Death of Aspiring Musician Nell Smith

At just 17 years old, musical star Nell Smith passed away in British Columbia on Saturday night, October 5. She was on the brink of releasing her first solo record, made in Brighton, early next year (2025) via the independent record label Bella Union, and had already established a track record of success before she died.

Nell Smith posing for a picture, posted on October 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/judesmithjude and nellsmithmusic

Taking to Instagram to express his shock and devastation over the late artist's sudden death, Bella Union co-owner and record producer, Simon Raymonde, posted pictures of Nell and penned a statement.

The photos Simon shared were courtesy of Nell's family and fellow famous musician Warren Ellis. One image showed a touching familial moment shared between Nell and her brother, Ike Smith.

Another was a throwback photo of the late star standing in front of a fire on the beach with a contemplative look on her face and a guitar strapped around her shoulder. According to Simon, this photo was taken when Nell wrote one of her first songs in Tofino on Vancouver Island.

Nell Smith on a beach on Vancouver Island, posted on October 7, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsimonraymonde

A different photo depicted Nell with a smile on her face as she stood next to The Flaming Lips' lead vocalist Wayne Coyne, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Wayne Coyne and Nell Smith posing for a picture, posted on October 7, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsimonraymonde

The fourth image in the carousel showed Nell, who sported a Bella Union beanie on her head and a big smile, unwrapping her blue vinyl record "Where The Viaduct Looms" for the first time.

Nell Smith posing for a picture with her blue vinyl, posted on October 7, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsimonrayemond

Simon's last photo, which is in black and white, displayed an endearing moment between Nell and Warren. While the late teen wrapped her arms around the composer, Warren placed one of his arms around Nell and held up what appeared to be her mixtape in his other hand.

Warren Ellis and Nell Smith. | Source: Instagram/mrsimonrayemond

"While we all try and come to terms with the awful news, and out of respect to Nell's grieving family, we are unable to make any further comments at this time," concluded Simon in his caption, which also highlighted some of Nell's incredible accomplishments as a musician.

Like Simon, Nell's family shared their own tribute following her death on Instagram. They posted a carousel of images showing heartwarming memories of the young talent who collaborated on the album "Where The Viaduct Looms" with The Flaming Lips in 2021, which featured covers of Nick Cave songs.Alongside the images, the Smith family stated, "It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night. 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 this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years. She has left an indelible mark on the word [sic] and an unfillable chasm in our hearts," divulged Nell's relatives.They ended their message by urging the public to cherish and hold on tightly to their kids and asked people for space as they attempt to reconcile with the tragedy. "We will shout when we need you. Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike x," read the end of their statement.