Nell Smith, musical prodigy and collaborator for the Flaming Lips, died suddenly at the age of 17.
The talented star had already begun to leave a mark on the music industry as a contributor for The Flaming Lips from the age of 14. Bella Union’s Simon Raymonde, the owner of the record label that was poised to release Nell’s debut solo album, announced her death on social media Oct. 7.
“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 Flaming Lips Frontman Wayne Coyne revealed Smith was killed in a car accident, during an emotional, on-stage announcement during the band’s Oct. 6 concert in Portland, Oregon.
“We have a very sad announcement to make tonight,” Coyne said in footage captured by a fan.
“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 and we’re reminded once again of the power of music,” Coyne said, as he visibly struggled to fight back the tears. He did not share any further details about the nature of the collision.
Smith’s family also confirmed the young star’s death in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram.
“It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” they wrote.
“We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say,” the family continued.
“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”
Coyne, Smith and the band collaborated on “Where The Viaduct Looms,” a 2021 cover album of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ music.
Smith had launched a fundraising page to help fund her first solo album in 2024. It’s unclear if the album will be released posthumously.
Fans and loved ones have been paying tribute to Smith on her last Instagram post. (RELATED: Al Pacino Reveals He Came Close To Death)
“Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you,” her family wrote as they signed off social media to mourn this tremendous loss.
