Luke Bell, known for his singles “Where Ya Been?” and “Jealous Guy,” died on Friday, less than a week after going missing in Tucson, Ariz. He was 32.
The musician was discovered dead in Midtown Tucson on August 26, according to the Tucson Police Department. While no cause of death was given, authorities stated that the investigation is still underway.
Matt Kinman, a close friend and fellow country performer, also confirmed Bell’s death. He told Saving Country Music that Bell, who supposedly suffered from bipolar disease, went missing on Aug. 20 while the two were in Tucson together after Kinman went to buy something to eat.
“We came down here to Arizona to work and play music, and he just took off,” Kinman explained to the source. “He was in the truck’s back. I went inside to fetch some food. When I came out, he’d gotten out of the truck and left.”
According to Saving Country Music, Bell began his career performing music at a local tavern while attending a nearby college. He released two albums, Don’t Mind If I Do in 2014 and his self-titled album in 2016, and enchanted audiences with his vintage country drawl while opening for Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, and Hank Williams Jr.
Following his death news, Bell’s friends and followers took to social media to memorialise him.
“This is heartbreaking. I wish we talked about mental illness more “Jessica Chastain wrote “It requires the same assistance as any other disease. Please listen to #LukeBell today and remember this country soul who died in battle. I hope he’s finally found the tranquilly he was looking for.”