Nell Smith, Teenage Flaming Lips Collaborator, Dead at 17

Nell Smith, a musical prodigy, has died at only 17, according to a statement from her family. She was working on her debut album at the time of her death and had previously collaborated with the Flaming Lips when she was 14. She died on Saturday, October 5.

Smith’s family posted the devastating news to her Instagram account. “It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” they wrote in a statement. “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 and an unfillable chasm in our hearts.”

The statement was signed by Smith’s family and included a message asking for privacy. “Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you,” they wrote.

[RELATED: Steven Drozd of Flaming Lips Reports Daughter Missing in Seattle]

Young Musical Prodigy, Nell Smith, Dead at 17

Nell Smith’s passing was also confirmed on Monday by Simon Raymonde, owner of the record label that was set to release Smith’s debut. “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,” Raymonde wrote on Instagram.

“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 statement continued. “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.” The message was signed by the record label, Bella Union.

Wayne Coyne, frontman for the Flaming Lips, also addressed Nell Smith’s death at their Portland concert on October 6. Allegedly, there were reports that she was killed in a car accident, Coyne said, although her cause of death has not yet been confirmed by her family.

“We’re reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love,” said Coyne. The Flaming Lips and Nell Smith collaborated in 2021 on an album of Nick Cave covers titled Where the Viaduct Looms.

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