Luke Bell, a rising talent in the country music industry, was found dead on Monday at the age of 32.

On August 20, Bell was reported missing in Tuscon, Arizona, according to the New York Post. His body was discovered close to where he went missing nine days later, according to the Tuscon Police Department.

The reason of death is yet unknown, according to the authorities. Matt Kinman, a friend and fellow country music performer who knew Bell, claimed that Bell had been battling bipolar disorder.

Bell and Kinman recently visited Cody, Wyoming, according to Kinman’s statement to the music website Saving Country Music. He claimed that after their trip to Arizona for work, “he just took off.”

Kinman stated, “He was in the back of the truck. I went in to get something to eat. I came out, and he’d got out of the truck and left.”

Bell still wanted to compose music, according to Kinman, until his passing was officially acknowledged.

Kinman stated,“When he’s right, he’s one of the best people you’ll ever know. When he’s sick, well, this is what you get.”

Although Bell was born in Lexington, Kentucky, he spent the majority of his youth there, according to the Post. Prior to leaving the University of Wyoming to concentrate on his music career, he briefly attended.

Before being signed by the record label Thirty Tigers in 2016, he spent years performing in local bars and honky-tonks. In that year, he released a self-titled album, which featured the popular song “Where Ya Been?”

Despite the success of his debut full-length album, Bell would go five years without releasing any new music.

Saving Country Music claimed he disappeared for extended periods of time, but acquaintances, including Kinman, claimed he had improved during the previous 18 months.

In 2021, Bell issued the track “Jealous Guy.” It would turn out to be his final composition before he passed away.

Following Bell’s passing, many fans and musicians expressed their sorrow and condolences.

Mike and the Moonpies, a country music group, posted on Facebook,  “Word just came down on the passing of Luke Bell and we’re heartbroken over the news.” I clearly recall every detail of my first encounter with Luke at Hole in the Wall more than ten years ago, right down to the clothes he was wearing.

“The man (and his music) left an impression. He was a real deal traveling troubadour out there on that lost highway. Do yourself a favor and put on some Luke Bell tunes tonight in his memory. Rest In Peace, friend.”

More on this story via The Western Journal:

“So sad to hear about [Luke Bell],” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Dude was an absolute word-bending, time-transcending, heart-piercing, guitar-picking genius. … I am thankful to have lived in his poverty. Godspeed.” CONTINUE READING…