“The Voice” alum Ryan Whyte Maloney reportedly died by suicide at the age of 44.
The Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas confirmed Whyte Maloney’s cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in a statement issued Jan. 28 to People. The popular artist appeared on the 2014 season of “The Voice,” where he performed “Lights” by Journey in a blind audition. All four judges turned their chairs for the star. He went on to join Blake Shelton’s team, where he made it through two battle rounds and became one of Shelton’s top-5 finalists.
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 06: Recording artist Ryan Whyte Maloney performs onstage at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards All Star Jam at the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom on April 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/ACMA2014/Getty Images for ACM)
The circumstances leading up to Whyte Maloney’s death are not known at this time.
His last post was an Instagram Story shared Jan. 27 that has since expired. He appeared to be in a bar in the video clip. The caption of his post read, “Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking.”
Whyte Maloney grew up surrounded by music. He played the guitar, violin, cello and the drums, and eventually became the frontman of a progressive rock band called Indulge. He toured with the band for ten years before shifting his focus to his solo career.
The talented artist released his debut solo album, “Where I’ve Been,” which was produced by Sean O’Dwyer, whose credits include The Black Crowes, Roger Waters, and Pink Floyd.
Whyte Maloney created a number of original songs, including “Hillbilly,” “Michigan Moonlight,” and “Living With No Directions.” His singles received airtime on country radio stations in Michigan, Nevada, Colorado and California.
He contributed his songwriting skills for other artists and spent time working as a studio musician, engineer, and producer.
Whyte Maloney released his single “Don’t Put Me In a Box” on country radio in 2023, followed shortly by “Love with Nowhere to Go.” He went on to release “Sleepwalk” and “Toast to Tonight.”
He continued his musical journey by performing at the opening of Shelton’s venue Ole Red, where he had an ongoing residency.
Whyte Maloney was a beloved star with a career in music that continued to rise. He shared stages with legends Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Rascal Flatts, Usher, Ed Sheeran, and many other talented stars.
Fans and friends have united in grief as they pay tribute to Whyte Maloney on social media. (RELATED: Barry Goldberg, Former Keyboard Player For Bob Dylan, Dead At 83)
Funeral details have not been publicly shared as of Wednesday morning.
