Neil Smith, Flaming Lips collaborator and music prodigy, has died at the age of 17

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

Neil Smiththe 17-year-old with whom he is best known for collaborating Flaming lipsHe died suddenly on October 5.

“It pains us greatly to say that our beautiful, feisty, talented, and unique daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” Neal’s family said in a tribute Instagram post on Oct. 7. “I don’t know what to do or say.”

Neil was scheduled to release her debut solo album in early 2025 after releasing an album of covers Nick’s cave Songs with The Flaming Lips in 2021 titled Where the bridge looms.

“She had so much to experience and give to the world, but we are grateful that she got to experience so much in her 17 years,” her family continued. You have left an indelible mark on the Word and an unbridgeable chasm in our hearts. Hold your children tight tonight, and for now please leave us to work things out. We will scream when we need you. Jude, Rachel, Jade, and Ike x.