Luke Bell, who had hits like “Where Ya Been?” and “Jealous Guy,” died on Friday. He had been missing in Tucson, Ariz., for less than a week. He was 32.
On August 26, the singer’s body was found in Midtown Tucson, the Tucson Police Department told EW. Police did not say what caused the death, but they said the investigation is still going on.
Matt Kinman, a close friend and fellow country musician, also confirmed that Bell had died. He told Saving Country Music that Bell, who he said had bipolar disorder, went missing on August 20 while the two of them were in Tucson. Kinman had gone to get something to eat.
Kinman told the outlet, “We came down to Arizona to work and play music, and he just took off.” “He was in the truck’s back. I went inside to fetch some food. When I got out, he was already out of the truck and gone.”
Bell was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and he started his career by playing music at a local bar while he was going to college nearby. He released two albums: Don’t Mind If I Do in 2014 and his self-titled album in 2016. His classic country drawl won over fans when he opened for stars like Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, and Hank Williams Jr.
When the news came out that Bell had died, his friends and fans turned to social media to remember him.
“This makes me feel so sad. I wish we talked about mental illness more, “Jessica Chastain wrote that. “It needs help just like any other illness. Please listen to Luke Bell today to honour this country soul who lost his battle. I hope he has found the peace he was looking for.”