Music prodigy Nell Smith dies aged 17
Music prodigy Nell Smith has died at the aged of 17, her family has announced.
Smith was seen as a rising star in the industry, and was set to release her debut album in 2025.
The devastating news was broke by Simon Raymonde, whose label, Bella Union, was working with Smith to release her first album after recently signing her.
He wrote on social media: "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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"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."
Nell's family have also issued a statement following the teen's shock passing.
"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," the heartbreaking social media post began.
"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.
"Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you."
Nell had collaborated with The Flaming Lips on the cover album Where The Viaduct Looms, and their frontman, Wayne Coyne, touched on the devastating news during a show in Portland, Oregon.
Coyne told the crowd: "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 [passed away] last night. We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love."
Nell's cause of death is yet to be announced by her family or anyone close to her.
Tributes have been paid by many others in the industry, as well as her fans.
Callum Jones