Tragic Death of 17-Year-Old Musician Nell Smith Confirmed Following Fatal Car Accident in British Columbia
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — The music world is in collective mourning following the verified death of rising star Nell Smith, a 17-year-old Canadian musician best known for her acclaimed collaboration with The Flaming Lips. Nell tragically lost her life in a car accident over the weekend in British Columbia, a heartbreaking loss confirmed by her record label Bella Union and members of her musical family, including Wayne Coyne, frontman of The Flaming Lips.
Nell Smith captivated audiences across the globe at just 13 years old when she recorded “Where the Viaduct Looms”, an album of Nick Cave covers in collaboration with The Flaming Lips. Her haunting voice and emotionally rich delivery quickly garnered widespread recognition, marking her as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Her death was first announced publicly by Simon Raymonde, former Cocteau Twins bassist and co-founder of Bella Union, the independent record label that had signed Nell for the release of her debut solo album. In a statement shared via Instagram, Raymonde wrote:
“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. Nell was just 17 and was preparing for the release of her first solo record in early 2025… Her loss is unimaginable.”
The official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed by local authorities, but Wayne Coyne, during a Flaming Lips concert in Portland, Oregon, emotionally told fans that Nell had been “killed in a car accident last night.” He dedicated a heartfelt performance of “Suddenly Everything Has Changed” in her honor, underscoring the emotional gravity of the moment.
At the time of her death, Nell Smith was in the final stages of completing her debut solo album, created alongside Jack and Lily Wolter of the UK band Penelope Isles. The project was being produced in Brighton, with a planned 2025 release under Bella Union. The album was made possible in part through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised over CA$17,000 to support its completion — a testament to the community’s belief in Nell’s extraordinary talent and vision.
On her Kickstarter page, Nell described herself as “a musician from the UK, but I live in Canada these days.” Her unique story, transatlantic musical journey, and collaborative spirit resonated deeply with fans and artists alike. Her music was lauded for its vulnerability, emotional clarity, and fearless experimentation — rare qualities for any artist, let alone one so young.
Tributes to Nell have poured in from across the industry. Susie Cave, fashion designer and wife of Nick Cave, commented on Raymonde’s post:
“My heart is broken for beautiful Nell and her family.”
Nell’s collaborations with The Flaming Lips were a beacon of musical imagination, and her personal charisma and maturity stunned even veteran artists. Coyne previously called her “an extraordinary soul with a sound and presence far beyond her years.”
While her life was tragically cut short, Nell Smith leaves behind a profound legacy. Her story is one of limitless potential, musical bravery, and heartfelt authenticity. Plans for a posthumous release of her original work have not yet been announced, but fans and collaborators are unified in their commitment to ensuring that her voice continues to be heard.
As the Bella Union family and her close collaborators ask for privacy and respect for Nell’s grieving loved ones, the world is left reflecting on the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire — just as Nell did in every note she sang.
