Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Authorities in Las Vegas have confirmed former The Voice contestant Ryan Whyte Maloney has died at the age of 44.
News of Maloney’s death was confirmed by The Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas, and comes after the singer experienced a long career in music, beginning when he was just a child.
The singer grew up in Michigan playing guitar, violin, cello, and drums, and in 2005, he recorded an album as the frontman of the progressive-rock group Indulge.
Maloney has shared stages with Ed Sheeran and Morgan Wallen (Frazer Harrison/ACMA2012/Getty Images for ACM)
He went on to perform his tracks around the country, but it was in 2014 when he really stepped into the public eye thanks to his appearance on The Voice, where he performed a rendition of ‘Lights’ by Journey.
The singer’s talents blew the judges away, and all four of them turned their chairs to show their support for him, but Maloney ended up joining Blake Shelton’s team.
Maloney successfully made it through two Battle rounds and became one of Shelton’s top five finalists, before returning to perform on the show’s season finale.
Now, fans of the show are paying tribute to Maloney after The Clark County Coroner told People that Maloney has died by suicide.
Las Vegas country music radio station 107.9 Coyote Country wrote on Twitter: “The Coyote Country family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ryan Whyte Maloney.
“If you loved country music in Las Vegas, you knew Ryan’s unforgettable voice and songs. Thank you for the beautiful music that will live on in our hearts forever. #RyanWhyteMaloney.”
Fans have paid tribute to Maloney following his death (Tara Ziemba/Getty Images)
Maloney’s musical career continued after his time on The Voice, when he worked as a songwriter for other artists as well as a musician, engineer, and producer at studios. He shared stages with stars like Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Shakira, Ushe,r and Ed Sheeran, had an ongoing residency at Shelton’s venue Ole Red.
Some of his more recent singles include ‘Don’t Put Me in a Box’, and ‘Love with Nowhere to Go’.
Just one day before authorities confirmed his death, Maloney shared a video on his Instagram Story, in which he showed off a ‘rock’ gesture with his hand and said: “Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
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Featured Image Credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Cheryl J. Kagan PR
Topics: Mental Health, Las Vegas, Music
Snoop Dogg’s younger brother, Bing Worthington, has died at the age of 44, the rapper has announced on Instagram.
Snoop has paid tribute to his sibling with a series of photos posted to his social media accounts.
One of them included a picture of his sibling with their mom with the caption: “bac wit momma.”
Other snaps included a lovely family photo, while the US rapper also said: “until we meet again,” in another Instagram post.
Not only that, but Snoop also shared a video of himself with Worthington and others, adding that his brother ‘always made us laugh’.
As per the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California, Worthington tragically died on Thursday (February 15).
Instagram/@snoopdogg
“The cause of death will be pending the results of the toxicology and autopsy report,” Sgt. Frank Gonzalez told NBC News in an email.
Many famous faces have since paid tribute to Worthington and offered their condolences to Snoop and the rest of his family.
“I’m sorry this happened….. Prayers love and light to you and your family,” actor and singer Tyrese Gibson said.
While singer Tamar Braxton said: “Sorry for all your Loss Brother.”
Worthington worked as a music producer, even working for his older brother on high-profile projects at the rapper’s record label, according to NBC.
Worthington told Vice in 2016 that he ‘was just the road guy. I worked my way to the top’.
Business associate and friend Miguel Lopez said that Worthington was instrumental in the setting up of Dogg Records, the hugely successful independent record label.
It has been a devastating few weeks for Snoop as his 24-year-old daughter Cori Broadus recently suffered a ‘severe stroke’.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace
Broadus shared two images to her Instagram Story in January – the first, an image of a hospital bed and sheets.
The caption read: “I had a severe stroke this am. I started breaking down crying when they told me.”
And the second – over an image of Broadus in a hoodie and protective face mask – stated: “Like I’m only 24 what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”
Broadus was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of six.
As per the Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus ‘is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system – the body system that usually fights infections – attacks healthy tissue instead’.
Featured Image Credit: Snoop Dogg/Instagram
Topics: Celebrity, Snoop Dogg, Music
Ink Master star Ryan Hadley has died.
In December 2023, Hadley revealed that he’d been diagnosed with seminoma cancer.
He said that this cancer ‘came from testicular cancer and is a very fast moving cancer cell that seems to make tumors wherever it goes to’.
It’s believed to have then spread to his lungs and liver.
Ryan Hadley was on the 2015 season of Ink Master. (Spike)
Sadly his family have now announced that Hadley has died following his cancer diagnosis. He was just 46.
“Ryan left this world last night surrounded by loved ones,” a statement shared on Instagram yesterday (June 21) read.
“While his life was cut short, in that time he left a legacy behind in both the art and tattoo world. He loved his many fans, his friends and clients, and most of all his children. He’ll be missed and always remembered. A legend forever.”
In April of this year, Hadley shared a sad update on his cancer treatment and how it wasn’t working.
“I may be around for another week or maybe another 3 months, either way it tears me apart that I’m leaving my children behind,” he wrote at the time.
Hadley’s family announced his passing on social media. (Instagram/@ryanhadleytattoo)
“Death doesn’t scare me in any way… it’s the fact of abandonment with my kids is what pisses me off and there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ll keep everyone updated to a certain point in all this. I’ll be signing off very soon forever.”
In the wake of Hadley’s passing, tributes have been rolling in for the Ink Master favorite on social media.
One fan wrote: “I’m tearing up right now. He tattooed me and my brother and was always, always nice to us when we saw him at conventions. Rest in peace and prayers to the family.”
A second penned: “Our condolences, Ryan was such an amazing friend, Artist and Father! He will be greatly missed!!”
Hadley is survived by his wife and their children. (Instagram/@ryanhadleytattoo)
Sharing their experience of being on Ink Master, another fan said: “Ryan was my artist the first time I was on Ink Master. Such a nice dude. Distracted me from all the TV production stuff and sent me home with a great piece that still gets compliments today.”
“This is so sad,” wrote a different person. “He was an amazing artist. He made an impact on people more than he will ever know. Condolences to the family.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Featured Image Credit: ryanhadleytattoo/Instagram
Topics: Cancer, Health, News, Film and TV
WWE star Ric Flair’s stepson, Sebastian Kidder, has tragically died at the age of 24, his mother has confirmed.
Flair married Sebastian’s mother Wendy Barlow in 2018, having been in a relationship for 13 years before announcing their split just weeks ago.
Barlow has issued a heartbreaking statement, telling TMZ Sports: “I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic with your young men. And mental health…”
TMZ reports Sebastian was found on Saturday (26 October) with a gunshot wound.
Police are continuing to investigate what happened in the buildup to his tragic passing.
Sebastian was very much seen as an up-and-coming artist in the music industry, having just released his first studio album in the form of Under The Moon.
Ric Flair with his stepson Sebastian Kidder (Instagram/@sebastianonthemic)
The musician had been doing the media rounds over the summer to promote his new album.
Speaking with Kaitlyn Pratt on Good Day Atlanta, Sebastian said: “It’s a lot of pain, a lot of suffering, a lot of crying in a corner just hoping the words come out. No, I’m kidding of course.
“Very romance-filled is probably the core of the album. I’d say romance and a lot of sexual energy.”
Alongside his music, Sebastian made a name for himself in acting, appearing in The Walking Dead at just 10 years old.
Being in the spotlight at such age can’t have been easy, something Sebastian had spoken out in the past.
And in an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta, Sebastian heaped praise on his mom in dealing with the pressure.
“I’d say my mom was definitely a big inspiration,” he said. “She was the one who got me started and everything. She got that gig on The Walking Dead, so that was really big.”
The singer passed away on Saturday (Instagram/@sebastianonthemic)
Sebastian went on to say his mother was also vital in his decision to pursue a career in music.
He added: “I recorded the cover and didn’t think anything of it but my mom got ahold of it and started sending it around to people. You get traction and roll with it.”
In the same interview, the musician touched on what it was like being Flair’s stepson.
“Growing up with Ric as a stepdad was very different, very unique,” Sebastian said. “You go out to a family meal and you are just surrounded by fans, people coming up and wanting pictures. You are already exposed to it from an early age.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.
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Featured Image Credit: Getty/Jason Kempin/Instagram/@sebastianonthemic
Topics: WWE, Mental Health, Music, Celebrity
A YouTuber dubbed ‘South Africa’s Steve Irwin’ has died following a month-long coma he was placed in due to a deadly encounter with a snake.
Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman was just 44 years old when he died on Saturday (October 26) after falling into anaphylactic shock when he was bitten at his home by a green mamba, one of the world’s most venomous snakes.
Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman has died at the age of 44 following a fatal encounter with a green mamba (Instagram/dingo_dinkelman)
According to The African Snakebite Institute, the reptile ‘rarely accounts for bites in southern Africa, as it lives in thick coastal bush, which it is quick to disappear into’, with ‘most victims are bitten on a hand’ while trying to catch the animal.
Posting on his Instagram on September 30, his wife Kirsty explained: “This last week, Dingo had a venomous snake bite which, unfortunately, due to his allergy to snake venom, sent him straight into anaphylactic shock.”
The conservationist, of Pietermaritzburg in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, ran specialist breeding programs for endangered species, such as reptiles and amphibians, as well as a wildlife educational facility aimed at children.
Tragically, Dingo left behind his wife and three children, Taylor, Maddy, and Rex.
Speaking to South African outlet IOL, Kirsty said: “His love for all animals was legendary, with videos of handling crocodiles, snakes, and a variety of African wildlife propelling him to internet fame.
“Our three children, Taylor, Maddy, and Rex, were central to Dingo, and he never missed an opportunity to express his love and pride for his family. Working together, we recently started a new YouTube channel, ‘The Dinkelmans’, which focuses on wholesome family content, animal adventures, and conservation.
“His presence has brought so much warmth, love, passion, and laughter to our lives, as well as all of those who knew him, loved him and supported him. We love you Dingo and we will always celebrate your incredible impact on each of our lives.”
In 2017, the content creator first reached a global audience after a series of YouTube videos of his encounters with South African wildlife saw him win the ‘#BreakTheNet’ competition held by Cell C and Blink Pictures.
Dingo was likened to legendary Aussie conservationist Steve Irwin (Instagram/dingo_dinkelman)
His enthusiasm for his job and how he presented his shows drew comparison to the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin – who also died at the age of 44, when he was struck by a stingray while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef back in 2006.
Speaking per The Telegraph, Dingo said in an interview last year: “My passion, my calling, the reason I have been put on the face of this earth, is to get animals into people’s lives.
“I’ve always believed that we need to convert the unconverted, to reach people who’ve had absolutely no experience with nature and wildlife, who are scared of snakes and afraid of getting dirty, and to get them passionate about conservation.
“We can achieve this goal by sharing the right content on these social media platforms.”