The family of Sparklehorse‘s Mark Linkous have confirmed that the Virginia-born singer-songwriter died on Saturday (March 6) from a gunshot wound. He was 47.
According to the New York Times, Linkous‘ manager, Shelby Meade, announced that Linkous shot himself in the heart near a friend’s home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Police responded to a call at 1:20pm (EST) with Linkous found dead at the scene.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today,” Linkous‘ family told Rolling Stone. “We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There’s a heaven and there’s a star for you.”
Linkous released the first Sparklehorse album, Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot, in 1995, going on to release three further albums under the name including the acclaimed 2001 full-length It’s A Wonderful Life.
In 1996 Linkous died for two minutes after ingesting a dangerous mix of Valium and antidepressants in London during a tour supporting Radiohead. He was wheelchair-bound for six months following the incident.
Linkous was working on a new Sparklehorse album that had nearly reached completion and was set to be released by the Anti- record label.
His delayed multi-media project with Danger Mouse and David Lynch, called Dark Night Of The Soul, is finally due for a formal release this June.
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