The Voice singer Ryan Whyte Maloney has died at the age of 44.
The reality show alum, who appeared on the show in 2014, died by suicide, the Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas confirmed to Us Weekly on Tuesday, January 28. (People was first to report the news.)
Just hours before his death, the singer shared a video via his Instagram Stories while at what appeared to be a restaurant.
“Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight,” he said in the video, “and we will be rocking.”
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During his appearance on The Voice, Whyte Maloney performed “Lights” by Journey in a blind audition. His voice earned a four-chair turn from coaches Usher, Shakira, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine.
“Y’all will never know how f’ng scary this was to do,” he wrote via Instagram on January 13 along with a clip from his audition. “Hah no sleep, 10am/sober yeah!!!”
Whyte Maloney ultimately chose to be on Shelton’s team and made it through two of the show’s Battle rounds. While he didn’t advance to the finals, he became one of the country singer’s top 5 finalists.
“When the opportunity arose to showcase my talent on The Voice, I was in a dire state during filming,” Whyte Maloney recalled via Instagram on January 16. “Struggling financially, resorting to meager scraps for sustenance from the hotel garbage and hallways, while those around me reveled carefreely with their family like they were on vacation, I stood there, trembling with fear, merely surviving.”
While audience members and viewers may have considered Whyte Maloney to be “just another act in the show,” he considered the opportunity to perform on NBC’s singing competition show as a future-defining moment.
“[It’s] a battle for my future, a testament to my dedication to my craft,” he explained. “Persistence is key — never falter, never surrender!”
After the show, Whyte Maloney continued focusing on his love for music by performing live at the M Resort in Las Vegas.
In 2024, the singer had the opportunity to perform at Shelton’s brand-new venue, Ole Red, on opening day. He continued singing at the Las Vegas location as part of an ongoing residency.
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Just weeks before his death, Whyte Maloney appeared to be focused on making new music. In one of his final Instagram posts, the singer shared a selfie from TruNorth Recording Studio.
“Wake up,” he wrote. “Let’s kill this day baby!”
Us Weekly has reached out to the Clark County Coroner for comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
