Nell Smith, the young musician who gained early recognition through her work with The Flaming Lips, has died at the age of 17. News of her passing was confirmed on October 7 by Simon Raymonde, head of Bella Union Records, which was set to release her debut solo album.
Raymonde shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, writing, “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.” He noted that Nell had recently completed her solo album, which was scheduled for release in early 2025. Smith first captivated audiences at age 14 when she collaborated with The Flaming Lips on Where The Viaduct Looms, an album of Nick Cave covers.
Her family, reeling from the loss, took to social media to share their sorrow and celebrate Nell’s life. “It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” her family wrote in a tribute. “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.”
The family requested privacy as they mourn and advised followers to “hold your kids extra tight tonight.”
The Flaming Lips frontman, Wayne Coyne, paid tribute to Nell during their October 6 performance in Portland, Oregon, revealing that she had been involved in a fatal car accident. “We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. … We got some very sad messages today that she was killed in a car accident last night,” Coyne told the crowd, reflecting on the power of music and their connection.
Nell was also working on a solo project, which she had successfully crowdfunded earlier this year, raising over $17,000 from supporters. In June, she expressed her gratitude to fans, celebrating the achievement with, “We made it!!!!!!! I am SO GRATEFUL for all of the support that I have received!!!!”
Her family concluded their message with a heartfelt appeal for privacy, adding, “For now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you.”
Smith’s musical talent and vibrant spirit have left a lasting impact on those who knew her, both in life and through her art.
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