Rising prodigy Nell Smith passed away this weekend, aged just seventeen. Already in her life she’d collaborated on an album with The Flaming Lips, and her solo album was due to be released next year.

Sadly, it appears she was killed in a car accident this weekend.

It’s a little uncertain, as while her family released a statement on her death, the cause comes via Wayne Coyne during an on stage tribute.

The family said:

“It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night. We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say. She had so much more to experience and to give this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years. She has left an indelible mark on the word and an unfillable chasm in our hearts. Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you.”

A crying Coyne explained:

“We have a very sad announcement to make tonight. We have a Canadian friend, her name is Nell. We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago, an album full of songs by Nick Cave. We have some very sad messages today – she was killed in a car accident last night. We are reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love.”

Tragic.