Nell Smith, 17-Year-Old Musical Prodigy Who Worked With Flaming Lips, Dies

Nell Smith, a gifted musical talent known for her remarkable collaborations with the Flaming Lips, has tragically passed away at the tender age of 17. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her family on Instagram on October 7, revealing that she had died on Saturday, October 5.

In an emotional tribute, Nell’s family—Jude, Rachel, Jed, and Ike—expressed their sorrow, stating, “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.” They emphasized their gratitude for the experiences she had during her 17 years, while also lamenting the void left in their lives.

Wayne Coyne, the frontman of the Flaming Lips, addressed Nell’s passing at a concert on October 6, informing the audience that she died due to a car accident. He encouraged those present to appreciate the power of music and reminisce about the love shared among friends and family. Coyne then performed the band’s song “Everything Has Changed” as a tribute.

Nell Smith’s journey with the Flaming Lips began in 2018 when, at just 12 years old, she captivated Coyne during one of their concerts while wearing a parrot costume. This encounter blossomed into a supportive friendship, with Coyne encouraging her musical ambitions. She was gearing up to release her debut solo album in early 2025 under Bella Union, having previously worked on a collection of Nick Cave covers alongside the Flaming Lips in 2021, titled “Where The Viaduct Looms.”

As the music community mourns this tremendous loss, Simon Raymonde, co-founder of Bella Union, shared his own heartfelt tribute, expressing shock and sorrow over the sudden loss of their dear friend and talented artist.

Nell’s passing comes at a poignant time, coinciding with the news of another tragedy involving the Flaming Lips, as the band is currently seeking information regarding Steven Drozd’s daughter, Charlotte “Bowie” Drozd, who has been reported missing in Seattle.

In a year marked by unexpected celebrity losses, Nell Smith’s death is a somber reminder of the impact of music and the cherished moments shared with loved ones.