Rising Music Star Nell Smith, Known for Collaborating with The Flaming Lips, Dies at 17

At just 17 years old, musical star Nell Smith passed away in British Columbia on Saturday night, October 5. She was on the brink of releasing her first solo record, made in Brighton, early next year (2025) via the independent record label Bella Union, and had already established a track record of success before she died.

Taking to Instagram to express his shock and devastation over the late artist’s sudden death, Bella Union co-owner and record producer, Simon Raymonde, posted pictures of Nell and penned a statement.

The photos Simon shared were courtesy of Nell’s family and fellow famous musician Warren Ellis. One image showed a touching familial moment shared between Nell and her brother, Ike Smith.

Another was a throwback photo of the late star standing in front of a fire on the beach with a contemplative look on her face and a guitar strapped around her shoulder. According to Simon, this photo was taken when Nell wrote one of her first songs in Tofino on Vancouver Island.

A different photo depicted Nell with a smile on her face as she stood next to The Flaming Lips’ lead vocalist Wayne Coyne, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

The fourth image in the carousel showed Nell, who sported a Bella Union beanie on her head and a big smile, unwrapping her blue vinyl record “Where The Viaduct Looms” for the first time.

Simon’s last photo, which is in black and white, displayed an endearing moment between Nell and Warren. While the late teen wrapped her arms around the composer, Warren placed one of his arms around Nell and held up what appeared to be her mixtape in his other hand.

“While we all try and come to terms with the awful news, and out of respect to Nell’s grieving family, we are unable to make any further comments at this time,” concluded Simon in his caption, which also highlighted some of Nell’s incredible accomplishments as a musician.

Like Simon, Nell’s family shared their own tribute following her death on Instagram. They shared a carousel of images showing heartwarming memories of the young talent who collaborated on the album “Where The Viaduct Looms” with The Flaming Lips in 2021, which featured covers of Nick Cave songs.

Alongside the images, the Smith family stated, “It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night. 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. She has left an indelible mark on the word [sic] and an unfillable chasm in our hearts,” divulged Nell’s relatives.

They ended their message by urging the public to cherish and hold on tightly to their kids and asked people for space as they attempt to reconcile with the tragedy. “We will shout when we need you. Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike x,” read the end of their statement.

Producer Howard Redekopp, who had the opportunity to record Nell’s vocals for her yet-to-be-released album, shared a dedication to her on his own social media account.

Alongside photos of the duo posing together, Howard expressed, “I will cherish the memories of our brief, deep, fun time together. The cliches people often cite when someone dies fit all too universally but feel wrong to say because they are common, and there is nothing common about the uniquely devastating loss of a young individual.”

He went on to shower the talented performer with praise, calling Nell “a rare and extraordinary gift to this world.”

Howard also mentioned how although he looks forward to witnessing Nell’s musical influence live on beyond her death, he is heartbroken over the fact that she won’t get to see this play out. “Love and peace to the Smith family and all of Nell’s dear friends,” ended the record producer.

In a similar fashion, the son of music icon Willie Nelson posted his own tribute on his Instagram page. Artist Micah Nelson shared an array of images of him rocking out on his guitar with Nell standing beside him.

“RIP @nellsmithmusic 💔 A total tragedy. My heart goes out to Nell’s family. She was such a bright light full of talent and sweetness and eyes wide at all the possibilities of life…. taken [sic] from us far too soon,” began Micah.

Continuing, he penned, “Here’s to healing for Nell’s whole circle. It’s not something you get over – it’s something you get through. Love and only love 🌀🙏💚.”

Fans have also reacted strongly to the news. One admirer shared a post on Threads in which he attached a photo of The Flaming Lips’ recent performance at Moda Center in Portland.

“RIP Nell Smith. Devastating news […] Wayne shared the news tonight […] Car accident apparently,” disclosed the fan.

The same user then shared a video of Wayne sharing news of the teen’s death with the audience. In the clip, the “Do You Realize??” singer, who read from a piece of paper, began by contextualizing his and The Flaming Lips’ work relationship and friendship with Nell, citing their joint project from three years ago, “Where The Viaduct Looms.”

After this, Wayne struggled to convey the news to the audience, getting choked up and covering his eyes with his arm as he attempted to explain what happened.

Following “we love you!” cheers from the crowd, Wayne revealed, “She was killed in a car accident last night and we’re reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love.”

Wayne then prompted the audience to help the band out by keeping the energy in the venue alive as The Flaming Lips began playing another song.

Thread users who saw this post expressed their shock and sorrow. “Oh no! Her cover of ‘Red Right Hand’ is amazing. She was just a baby!” exclaimed a fan while another said, “Oh no. This is sad news.” “Oh no that’s awful 😞,” added someone else.

Nell, who was born in 2007 in Leeds, U.K., was certainly a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Having listened to music in utero as part of her mom’s plan to help acclimatize her then-infant to the world, Nell came out of the womb with an affinity for music.

At the age of 2, she had already experienced live music, attending festivals with her family. Five years after moving to Canada, she watched The Flaming Lips (one of her many favorite bands) live in Spokane while seated in the front row with her brother in 2017. She was ten at the time.

The following year, in 2018, Nell went to another The Flaming Lips show where she managed to get a letter she had written to them onto their tour bus. Yelling from the side of the stage before the show, Nell caught Wayne’s attention. He came over to her to say hi and later saw her letter on the bus.

From then on, the superstar musician stayed in contact with Nell’s parents while she learned to play the guitar. By age 11, Nell began performing live, writing her own songs, and playing alongside established artists.

RIP, Nell. At this time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her parents, brother, and loved ones as they mourn such a significant loss.