Nell Smith dies at 17: musical prodigy worked with Flaming Lips

Nell SmithA musical prodigy who worked with the Flaming Lips as a young teenager has died aged 17.

The musician's family confirmed the news via Instagram on Monday, October 7, announcing that Smith died on Saturday, October 5.

“It pains us so much to say that our vibrant, talented, unique and beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday evening. “We are devastated by the news and do not know what to do or say,” said the statement from Nell’s family members Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike. “She had so much more to experience and give to this world, but we are grateful that she was able to experience so much in her 17 years. It has left an indelible mark on the Word and an unbridgeable chasm in our hearts.”

The family added: “Hold your children extra tight tonight and please leave it to us to sort things out. We will scream when we need you.”

Simon RaymondeCo-founder of Nell's record label Bella Union, also paid tribute to the late musician via Instagram.

“We are all shocked and devastated to learn of the sudden and tragic death of our artist and dear friend Nell Smith over the weekend in British Columbia,” Raymonde's post reads. Nell was only 17 years old and was preparing for the release of her first solo record in early 2025 on Bella Union, in Brighton with Penelope Isles' Jack And Lily Wolter. Their first release was an album of covers by Nick Cave Songs recorded in 2021 with fellow Bella Union members The Flaming Lips, titled “Where The Viaduct Looms”.

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Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne addressed the news during a concert on Sunday, October 6, telling the audience that Nell had died in a car accident. “We are reminded once again of the power of music and how empowering it can be to be with the people you love,” Coyne, 63, said before playing the band’s song “Everything Has Changed.”

Nell's connection to the Flaming Lips began in 2018 when she attended one of their shows at the age of 12 wearing a parrot costume and caught the attention of Coyne. Coyne then struck up a friendship with Nell and her family and encouraged her to learn guitar.

Nell's death comes amid news that Flaming Lips is an instrumentalist Steven Drozd is looking for his daughter Charlotte “Bowie” Drozd, 16. According to a missing persons report from the Seattle Police Department, Bowie was last seen on Saturday near the city's Space Needle.

The band has encouraged fans to contact authorities if they have any information about Bowie's disappearance and has provided the Seattle Police Department phone numbers (206-625-5011) and another for Becky Drozd (405-831-6795).