Nell Smith, the 17-year-old Canadian musician who collaborated with The Flaming Lips, tragically passed away over the weekend in British Columbia. Bella Union record label co-founder Simon Raymonde confirmed her death on Instagram, while The Flaming Lips revealed during a Portland concert that Smith died in a car accident.

Smith gained attention for her 2021 album Where The Viaduct Looms, which featured Nick Cave song covers recorded with The Flaming Lips. She had been working on her first solo album, set for release in early 2025.

Her family expressed their grief in a heartfelt Instagram post, describing her as a “feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter” and mourning the loss of a life full of promise. The music community has been left devastated by her sudden passing.