Ryan Whyte Maloney, a former contestant on The Voice, has died at age 44.
The Clark County coroner in Nevada confirmed Maloney’s death to People on Tuesday, Jan. 28. His death was ruled a suicide, with the cause listed as a gunshot wound to the head.
The night before he died, Maloney shared a video on his Instagram Story from inside a bar. In the clip, he said, “Nine Fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking,” according to People.
Maloney competed on season 6 of The Voice in 2014. He performed Journey’s “Lights” for his blind audition and all four coaches — Blake Shelton, Shakira, Usher, and Adam Levine — turned their chairs around.
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The singer ultimately joined Team Blake and became one of Shelton’s top five finalists, performing in several battle rounds and appearing in that season’s finale.
While on The Voice, he recorded four hit singles, including Journey’s “Lights,” Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” Rascal Flatts’ “Easy,” and Shinedown’s “Second Chance.”
According to WPBN-TV, the NBC affiliate in his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan, he formed the band Indulge in 2001 with other local musicians.
The group played throughout Michigan before relocating to Las Vegas in pursuit of greater opportunities. Indulge eventually disbanded, and Maloney transitioned from rock to country music.
Maloney has performed alongside Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Shakira, and Usher, his website says. He started playing guitar, violin, cello, and drums at 9, later honing his skills to write songs and form the band Indulge.
In recent years, he released “I Already Did”, followed by tracks including “Love with Nowhere to Go,” “Sleepwalk,” and “Toast to Tonight.”
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