Nell Smith, musician who worked with Flaming Lips, dies aged 17

Canadian musician Nell Smith, who worked with the Flaming Lips, has died at the age of 17.

Simon Raymonde, co-founder of record label Bella Union, confirmed her death on Instagram on Monday.

“We are all shocked and devastated to learn of the sudden and tragic death of our artist and dear friend Nell Smith over the weekend in British Columbia,” Raymonde wrote. “Nell was only 17 and preparing to release her first solo record in early 2025 on Bella Union, recorded in Brighton with Jack and Lily Wolter of Penelope Isles.”

Smith came into the spotlight with the release of Where the Viaduct Looms, an album of covers of Nick Cave songs recorded with the Flaming Lips in 2021.

The label did not disclose a cause of death. The Flaming Lips said she died in a car accident at a concert Sunday in Portland, Oregon.

“We have a very sad announcement to make tonight,” bandleader Wayne Coyne said, according to a video shared on social media. “We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell, and we recorded a fantastic album with her three years ago. …We received some very sad news today that she died in a car accident last night, and we are once again reminded of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people you loves.”