Ryan Whyte Maloney, top 5 finalist on ‘The Voice’ Season 6 from Blake Shelton’s team, dies at 44
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Ryan Whyte Maloney, a former contestant on 'The Voice', tragically died at the age of 44.
According to the Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas, Maloney died by suicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.
'The Voice' alum Ryan Whyte Maloney dies at 44
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The news of Ryan Whyte Maloney' death was confirmed by People, sending shockwaves through the music community and his fans.
The musician had shared a video on his Instagram Stories on Monday, January 27, from what looked like a bar. "Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking," he said in the clip, flashing a rock hand gesture.
Just days before his untimely death, Ryan shared a heartfelt post on Instagram reflecting on one of the best moments of his life. On January 17, he wrote about the time after 'The Voice', recalling the joy he felt when he received a call to return for the show's finale.
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He wrote, "I was at home all depressed after The Voice. I was trying to pick up the pieces of putting my life together and was getting used to waking up to 60,000 Facebook messages of people who said they knew me that was hilarious and I got a call from The Voice asking me to come back to do the finale and here it is best time of my life ever!"
Ryan, a gifted alt/country/classic rock singer from Traverse City, Michigan, first gained national recognition during 'The Voice' Season 6 in 2014. His performance of Journey’s 'Lights' earned him a coveted four-chair turn, ultimately landing him a spot on Blake Shelton's team. He reached the Top 5 before being eliminated. He left a mark with four hit singles during his time on the show.
Ryan Whyte Maloney’s musical journey
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Ryan Whyte Maloney, born in 1981 in Traverse City, Michigan, grew up immersed in music, picking up the guitar, violin, cello, and drums along the way. He eventually became the frontman of the prog-rock band Indulge, releasing the album 'Tomorrow’s Another Day' in 2005. After a decade of touring with the band, he decided to focus on his solo career.
Maloney followed up with his first solo album, 'Where I’ve Been', which was produced by Sean O'Dwyer, renowned for his collaborations with The Black Crowes, Roger Waters, and Pink Floyd.
From 2010 to 2013, Maloney toured the country, performing his original songs like 'Hillbilly,' 'Michigan Moonlight', and 'Living with No Directions', which gained airplay on country radio stations in Michigan, Nevada, Colorado, and California.
Tributes pour in for ‘The Voice’ alum Ryan Whyte Maloney
Fans, friends, and loved ones are mourning the death of 'The Voice' alum Ryan Whyte Maloney at the age of 44. There has been an outpouring of heartfelt tributes online.
One user expressed deep sympathy for his mother, writing, "I’m devastated for his mother. She is a wonderful woman who was absolutely his biggest fan."
Another shared, "Sending prayers to his family."
A user said, "My heart goes out to his family," while another offered, "Peace and solace to all the family during this difficult time."
Many fans reflected on Maloney’s character, with one writing, "Ryan was an amazing person, this is absolutely heartbreaking."
Another added, "This is really sad and heartbreaking. Mental illness is real."
Maloney, known for his powerful voice and memorable performances on 'The Voice', left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
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