Family mourns tragic loss of a talented young artist
Nell Smith, the 17-year-old Canadian singer who rose to prominence through her collaboration with the legendary rock band The Flaming Lips, has tragically passed away. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday through a statement shared on social media.
“It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” the family—Jude, Rachel, Jed, and Ike—wrote. “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.”
Smith’s sudden death has left an indelible mark on her family, who expressed their grief while asking for privacy during this difficult time. “Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you,” they concluded.
While the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by her family, The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne addressed her passing during a concert in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday. Coyne, visibly emotional, told the audience that Smith had been killed in a car accident.
“We have a very sad announcement to make tonight,” Coyne said in fan-captured footage. “We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. … And we got some very sad messages today that she was killed in a car accident last night, and we’re reminded once again of the power of music.”
Industry peers express their shock and sorrow
Simon Raymonde, founder of the Bella Union record label, where Smith was set to release her debut solo album in 2025, also paid tribute to the young artist. “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 shared via Instagram.
Raymonde’s message echoed the collective grief felt within the music community. “Smith 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,” he wrote, adding that the label would be withholding further comments out of respect for Smith’s grieving family.
A promising career with an inspiring start
Nell Smith first caught the attention of The Flaming Lips after attending one of their concerts at the age of 12. Her connection with the band blossomed into a creative collaboration, leading to the release of Where the Viaduct Looms, a 2021 cover album featuring Smith’s renditions of songs by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Her haunting interpretation of “Girl in Amber” drew praise from Nick Cave himself, who wrote, “Nell shows a remarkable understanding of the song, a sense of dispassion that is both beautiful and chilling. I just love it. I’m a fan.”
Looking forward to a bright future cut short
In addition to her work with The Flaming Lips, Smith had been actively preparing for the next phase of her career. She launched a Kickstarter campaign last year to fund her debut album, exceeding her $10,000 goal by raising over $17,000. On the page, Smith expressed excitement about the project and her aspirations for the future.
“I have always loved music and started writing some of the songs that will be on this album when I was 12,” she shared. “Seeing them come to life is really exciting. I hope the album and a tour will help fund my real dream, which is to get to music school in the UK.”
Though her life was tragically cut short, Nell Smith’s musical legacy and the impact she had on those who worked with her will be felt for years to come.