A former contestant on The Voice US has died at the age of 44. It was confirmed on Tuesday that Ryan Whyte Maloney had died by suicide, with the Clark County coroner in Nevada confirming the singer's cause of death was suicide. The official cause listed as a gunshot wound to the head, according to PEOPLE.
Just a day before his untimely death, the singer shared a video on his Instagram Stories from a bar, saying: "Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking." Ryan rose to fame in 2014 when he competed on Season 6 of The Voice. He secured his spot on Blake Shelton's team after performing Journey's song 'Lights' during a blind audition.
Ryan made it to the Top 5 finalists on Blake's team and even performed in the Season 6 finale after competing in battle rounds. During his time on the show, Ryan performed four songs including Tina Turner's 'What's Love Got To Do With It', Shinedown's 'Second Chance', Rascal Flatt's 'Easy', and Journey's 'Lights'.
Born in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1981, Ryan had a musical upbringing, playing the guitar, violin, cello, and drums from a young age. He later took the lead role in a prog-rock band, and in 2005, he recorded the album Tomorrow's Another Day. For a decade, he toured with the band before embarking on his solo career, according to People, reports the Mirror US.
Eventually, Ryan recorded his debut solo album Where I've Been, which was produced by Sean O'Dwyer (The Black Crowes, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd). From 2010 to 2013, he performed his original songs such as Hillbilly, Michigan Moonlight, and Living with No Directions, across the country.
