THE VOICE alum Ryan Whyte Malone urged fans at his shows to return for future gigs just days before he died by suicide at age 44.
Ryan appeared on NBC singing competition The Voice in 2014 as part of Blake Shelton’s team.
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He continued his relationship with the country singer up until his tragic death, as he had a residency at his Las Vegas restaurant and bar Ole Red.
A fan who attended Ryan’s Friday, January 24 show at Blake’s bar exclusively revealed his demeanor days before he took his own life.
“He was drinking a lot on stage, but I think he normally does that so it wasn’t out of the ordinary.
“He was energized, playing drums, the guitar and singing. He was singing Creed’s Higher, which makes so much sense now. He loved Creed. He does Creed a lot.”
The fan, who travels to Las Vegas once a year to watch Ryan play because of his talented vocals, spoke with Ryan after his set.
“He was always so gracious to his fans. He talked to fans after.
“He told me I could find him at Ole Red all year long because he has a residency.”
The comment has left the fan confused today, as he died by suicide two days later on Monday, January 28, hours after another show.
“Only he knew what was going on,” the source said.
It’s devastating’
-Former bandmate Mikey Tucker
Another shocked loved one is his former bandmate Mikey Tucker, who played alongside Ryan on the drums for three years.
“He always had a smile on his face. He was the hardest-working musician I’ve ever met in the business.
“He used to play three shows a night at times because he was that good. He was a great leader and always positive.
“That’s why this is such a shock to me. It’s devastating.”
The Clark County Coroner/Medical Examiner confirmed the death by suicide to outlets on Tuesday.
The musician posted on his Instagram story from a show just hours before his death on January 27, “Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking.”
REMEMBERING RYAN
Ryan is from Traverse City, Michigan and later moved to Las Vegas.
He wowed The Voice judges in his audition and all four coaches on the panel turned.
He performed the hit Lights by Journey in his blind audition.
The singer made it through two battle rounds on the show and was invited back to perform at that year’s finale.
He had a residency at Blake’s bar Ole Red, as he even opened Shelton’s venue in Las Vegas by performing on the opening night.
Ryan rose to prominence on the show and performed alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Rascal Flatts, Ed Sheeran, Usher and Shakira.
Ryan is survived by his children.
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If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.