Rising country music star Luke Bell passed away at 32 following allegedly going missing for more than a week. Bell’s friend and fellow country singer Matt Kinman confirmed the “heartbreaking” news to the music site Saving Country Music.
Born in Kentucky and raised in Wyoming, Bell was found dead in Tucson, Arizona, yesterday, near where he had been reported missing on Aug. 20, according to the Tucson Police Department.
As of yet, the singer’s cause of death remains “unknown,” per authorities currently probing the tragedy. However, Kinman told music blog the Boot that his buddy had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, adding that a recent change in his medication might have “played a role” in his disappearance.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on Jan. 27, 1990, and raised in Cody, Wyoming, Bell dropped out of the University of Wyoming and moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue a career in country music. He regularly performed at honky-tonks and saloons across the Lone Star State’s capital, before doing a short stint in New Orleans, the Boot reported. He then made his way to Wyoming before ending up in Nashville.
The honey-throated nomad finally got his big break following getting signed by Thirty Tigers in 2016. Bell released his eponymous album later that year, which garnered him nationwide recognition.
During the course of his short but impactful career, the country star collaborated with the likes of Alabama Shakes, Margo Price and Langhorne Slim, and even played support slots for Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam and other country icons.
“To be honest, I live in the day, and I count smiles,” Bell said while describing his success to the Boot in 2016. “That’s it. Listen, half the time, I end up drinking beer with my neighbors. Life’s not that bad.”
With his untimely death, Bell leaves behind a legacy as one of the most “authentic” country artists in modern times, with tunes that capture a bygone era. The singer’s unique sound and style earned him comparisons to the late, great Waylon Jennings, who inspired country music’s Outlaw Movement.
Many fans deemed Bell a true original in a music scene oversaturated with sterile, derivative pop songs.
Friends and fans were crestfallen over the musician’s passing.
“Man…Luke Bell…what the f–k,” wrote fellow country star Joshua Hedley on Twitter. “RIP to a real one. Been a long time since I saw him and I was just talking regarding him the other day wondering what he’s been up to. Truly a sad night for country music.”
Meanwhile, band Mike and the Moonpies penned a moving Facebook tribute.
“Word just came down on the passing of Luke Bell and we’re heartbroken over the news,” they wrote. “I can vividly remember the first time I met Luke at Hole in the Wall over a decade ago, down to the clothes on his back.”
They added, “The man (and his music) left an impression. He was a real deal traveling troubadour out there on that lost highway. Do yourself a favor and put on some Luke Bell tunes tonight in his memory. Rest In Peace, friend.”
