Nell Smith, Flaming Lips Collaborator and Music Prodigy, Dead at 17  – E! Online

Friends and family are mourning the loss of a young musical prodigy.

Nell Smith, the 17-year-old who is best known for collaborating with The Flaming Lips, passed away suddenly on Oct. 5.

“It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” Nell’s family said in an Instagram tribute post on Oct. 7. “We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say.”

Nell was slated to release her debut solo album in early 2025 after releasing an album of covers of Nick Cave songs with The Flaming Lips in 2021 titled Where the Viaduct Looms.

“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,” her family continued. “She has left an indelible mark on the word and an unfillable chasm in our hearts. Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you. Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike x.”