Singer Ryan Whyte Maloney, 44, Passes Away

Ryan Whyte Maloney, a former contestant on "The Voice" Season 6, has tragically taken his own life. The news was confirmed by the Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas, with the cause of death listed as a gunshot wound to the head. Maloney, who hailed from Traverse City, Michigan, was 44 years old. Maloney's last public post on Instagram was a cheery message about a private performance with a band called Nine Fine Irishmen. He had shared his excitement for the event, unknowingly making it his final social media update. Maloney's journey on "The Voice" began in 2014, when he was 33. He wowed all four coaches—Adam Levine, Shakira, Usher, and Blake Shelton—with his rendition of Journey's "Lights" during the Blind Auditions. His impressive performances continued, winning the Battle Rounds with Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It" and the Knockout Rounds with Rascal Flatts' "Easy. "Sadly, Maloney was eliminated in the Playoffs after singing Shinedown's "Second Chance. " Despite his elimination, the song held a special place in his heart. In a birthday post from January 16, Maloney recounted meeting Shinedown's lead singer, Brent Smith, when he was 21. Smith had shared valuable advice about the responsibilities of a rockstar, emphasizing the importance of taking care of one's voice and getting enough rest. Maloney had faced tough times during his time on the show. He revealed that he was struggling financially and often resorted to eating leftovers from hotel bins and hallways. Despite these challenges, he persevered, performing with a lost voice and tears streaming down his face. He found solace in the presence of his parents, who witnessed his performance. Maloney's story serves as a reminder of the struggles that artists often face behind the scenes, even when they seem to be living their dreams. It highlights the importance of mental health support in the entertainment industry.