Nell Smith, music prodigy who collaborated with Flaming Lips on album of Nick Cave covers, dies at 17

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: Nell Smith, a budding musician, lost her life in a car crash on Saturday, October 5 in British Columbia, Canada. 

In November 2021, when she was just 14, she worked with the psychedelic rock band, The Flaming Lips, to record an album of Nick Cave covers, 'Where the Viaduct Looms', as per Entertainment Weekly.

The collaboration came after Smith met The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne during one of their shows in Calgary in 2018.

Nell Smith's family remembers her as 'feisty and talented' in emotional tribute

Nell Smith's family shared a heartwrenching post, featuring multiple pictures of her, on social media, announcing the tragic news.

They wrote, "It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night."

"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 world and an unfillable chasm in our hearts," added the devastated family.

They concluded with a heartfelt message, "Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you." 

Internet sends prays and love to Nell Smith's family

Fans and well-wishers took to the comments section of the heartbreaking announcement to share their condolences. 

One wrote, "Love you guys. Nell will always hold a special place in the hearts of Flaming Lips fans everywhere."

Another shared, "I’m heartbroken to hear this. I only recently became aware of Nell’s music and was really touched by its ethereal beauty. Sending you and everyone who knew and loved her much love."

"This is devastating. I am so sorry for your loss of your talented special girl. She had a place in so many people’s hearts," expressed a person. One more commented, "Utterly heartbroken for you."

"So tragic and heartbreaking … so very sorry for your devastating loss," wrote another person. 

"What a bright light she was in Fernie and beyond. So very sorry for this devastating loss. Thinking of your family as you navigate this heartbreaking time," read another comment. 

Wayne Coyne reminds everyone of 'power of music' as he announces Nell Smith's death

Wayne Coyne paid tribute to Nell Smith during a Flaming Lips concert on Sunday in Portland, Oregon.

He said, as per Music Radar, "We have a very sad announcement to make tonight."

"We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. She was killed in a car accident last night. We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love," added the lead vocalist.  

Nell Smith was set to release her debut solo album in 2025

Bella Union label boss Simon Raymonde revealed that Nell Smith was working on her debut solo album, scheduled to be released early next year.

In an Instagram post, Raymonde wrote, "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."

"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. The Bella Union Family," added the record producer. 

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