SingerNolan Neal, who was a former contestant onAmerica’s Got TalentandThe Voice, has died. He was 41.
The exact cause of Neal’s death currently remains uncertain. Neal’s cousinDylan Sealstold PEOPLE that he “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse.”
Nashville’s Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet returned PEOPLE’s request for comment, but the late musician’s cousin called him “one of the most talented people” he’s ever met while working in the entertainment industry.
Tyler Golden/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
“He was a natural-born entertainer and it was obvious to all of us from an early age. He blew us all away with his incredibly powerful vocal delivery and songwriting,” Seals, who is an audio engineer, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Working with him in the studio was awe-inspiring. The speed at which he could write arrange and record the basics of a track was legendary. He was pure creative energy. He put everything he had in the music. He sang from deep within his soul. Upon reflection this morning, it was likely his tortured soul crying out. Music was life or death for him. It was everything.”
Nolan Neal on AGT.Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
He continued, “Three years ago this month, at my request, he sang James Taylor’s ‘Fire and Rain’ at my father’s funeral. It meant the world to me and would have to my father, who was Nolan’s biggest fan. That song has been running through my mind all morning.”
Seals added that he’s “saddened” to learn that Neal “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse.”
“He was always open and honest about that struggle,” Seals said. “He was a loving father and son. A light to all who knew him. My heart goes out to his two children and his mother Cathy.”
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Neal first rose to recognition as a contestant inThe Voice’s 15th season, airing in 2016. His audition performance of the Incubus song “Drive” allowed him to nab a spot onAdam Levine’s team. But he was eventually eliminated from the competition.
Nearly four years later, Neal went on to compete onAmerica’s Got Talentin 2020. He auditioned withan original song called “Lost.“He was later eliminated in the Judges' Choice section of the Quarterfinals.
Neal had previously opened up about his struggles with substance abuse.
“I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab. Stayed clean,” Neal toldWBIRin 2020. “I joined the rock band Hinder, they were all about drinking and partying. This is not their fault. I had decided I wanted to drink like a normal person. I remember trying to be normal and fitting in. I remember going to a bar and ordering a drink. I tried to hide it. I remember pretending to be normal. I was just lying to myself telling myself that I could control it.”
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Neal even admitted to having “lost my way onThe Voice” as he continued drinking while competing on the show. But he eventually discovered a process that worked for him and allowed him to remain sober.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.Support is also available atAmerican Addiction Centers.
source: people.com
