Photo: PA Photos
Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous has committed suicide, his family have confirmed.
The Virginia-born singer-songwriter died yesterday (March 6) from a gunshot wound. He was 47.
According to the New York Times Linkous' manager, Shelby Meade, has explained that he shot himself in the heart in an alley near a friend’s home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Police responded to a call at 1:20pm (EST) with Linkous found dead at the scene.
His family confirmed the musician owned the gun he used to end his life.
"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 in 1995. After ‘Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot’ came out to wild acclaim, he went on to release three further albums under the name including 2001's guest-laden 'It's A Wonderful Life'.
In 1996 he suffered a drug overdose in London during a tour supporting Radiohead. He was wheelchair-bound for six months following the incident.
Last year 'Dark Night Of The Soul', Linkous' collaboration album with Danger Mouse and David Lynch, was made available online.
Danger Mouse (real name Brian Burton) recently revealed that the album would get an official release this summer.
Linkous was working on a new Sparklehorse album that had nearly reached completion and was set to be released by the Anti- record label.
Blog - RIP Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous, a tribute.
Why Mark Linkous was a genius
Photo Gallery - Mark Linkous' career in pictures
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