Country music star Todd Snider has died. He was 59.
A statement posted on Snider’s Instagram on Saturday, November 15, revealed that the singer-songwriter had “departed this world” following a difficult few weeks.
“He relayed so much tenderness and sensitivity through his songs, and showed many of us how to look at the world through a different lens,” a statement read. “He got up every morning and started writing, always working towards finding his place among the songwriting giants that sat on his record shelves, those same giants who let him into their lives and took him under their wings, who he studied relentlessly.”
His loved ones promised to continue Snider’s legacy despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
“How do we move forward without the one who gave us countless 90 minute distractions from our impending doom? The one who always had 18 minutes to share a story. We’ll do it by carrying his stories and songs that contain messages of love, compassion, and peace with us,” they vowed. “Today, put on one of your favorite Todd Snider records and ‘play it loud enough to wake up all of your neighbors or at least loud enough to always wake yourself up.’ We love you Todd, sail on old friend, we’ll see you again out there on the road somewhere down the line. You will always be a force of nature.”
People reported on November 5 that Snider had been arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, threat of violence and trespassing while in Salt Lake City, Utah, for a stop on his High, Lonesome and Then Some Tour. Snider was released from custody after being booked and taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries.
His social media team had previously announced the cancellation of the High, Lonesome and Then Some Tour on November 3. They claimed that Snider had sustained “severe injuries” from being “the victim of a violent assault outside of his hotel.”
“Todd will be unable to perform for an undetermined amount of time,” their statement read. “We deeply apologize for the cancellation and any inconvenience it causes. We appreciate your understanding as Todd receives needed medical treatment.”
Todd Snider in September 2014. Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music
Ten days later, a new statement on Snider’s Instagram account revealed that he’d been hospitalized for pneumonia because the musician “began having trouble breathing.” His friends and loved ones learned from a doctor that Snider had been “quietly suffering from an undiagnosed case of walking pneumonia.”
“Our beloved brother’s condition has become more complicated, and he’s since been transferred for additional treatment,” their statement clarified. “His care team and those closest to him are by his side and doing everything they can.”
They added, “Right now we’re asking everyone who loves Todd to hold him in your thoughts in whatever way feels right to you. Say a prayer, light a candle, roll one up, send strength, or just keep him close in your heart. You’ve carried him through so much over the years, and he needs that from all of us now more than ever.”
Snider became a leading figure in the alt country scene with the release of his breakthrough 2004 album East Nashville Skyline. Throughout his 31-year career, Snider was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and wrote songs that were recorded by Garth Brooks, Tom Jones and Loretta Lynn.
His final studio album, High, Lonesome and Then Some, was released in October and his tour to support the record had been scheduled to run through the end of November.
