Country singer Luke Bell was found dead Monday, according to Tuscon Police officer Frank Magos.
Bell was missing for over a week and was found dead on the 5500 block of E. Grant Road in Midtown Tucson, according to Magos. He was 32.
The police had not yet determined the cause of his death, according to Magos.
Bell was suffering from mental illness and had gone missing multiple times in the past, according to a statement from his family shared with Fox News Digital.
“We have lost our beloved son, brother, and friend and we are heartbroken,” his family said.
“Luke had a gentle heart, a wanderer’s spirit, and a musical gift that he was fortunate to share with us and the world. We are so grateful to his friends and fans for embracing Luke and his music. We would like to thank all of Luke’s fans, friends, and family who have been sharing stories and photos of happy times with him.”
“Unfortunately Luke suffered from the disease of mental illness, which progressed after his father’s death in 2015. Luke was supported through his disease by a community of loving family and friends.”
“Despite this, he was unable to receive the help he needed to ease his pain. Our hearts go out to the millions of people affected by mental illness who, like us, understand the devastating disappointment of a system that consistently fails to provide caring solutions to those who suffer.”
“As we navigate our heartbreak we respectfully ask for privacy to allow us room to grieve and honor his memory. Our only comfort comes in the fact that our Luke is finally free and at peace,” his family stated.
Bell’s singing buddy Matt Kinman told music blog Saving Country Music that Bell was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the past, and a recent change in medication might have played a role in his death.
Bell gained popularity on the music scene after his album was released in 2016.
Thirty Tigers singer David Macias, who had worked with Bell, wrote on Twitter: “We lost a true original today. From all at ThirtyTigers, we send love and hope for eternal peace to our friend Luke Bell. Thanks for riding a while with us. ”
Singer Kelsey Waldon posted on Twitter: “I have been heartbroken to hear about the passing of Luke Bell. A bunch of us met in Nashville when we were so young and obsessed with country music—those years were so formative. He was extremely gifted & special. Go listen to Luke today. Rest In Peace now, old friend.”
Bell was born in Kentucky in 1990 but grew up in Wyoming. He pursued a carrier in music in Texas and performed in various places there, before moving to New Orleans, Wyoming, and Nashville.
