Singer and songwriter Mark Linkous has taken his own life at the age of 47. The news was confirmed to Rolling Stone by his manager.

The celebrated multi-instrumentalist, formerly of folk outfit Sparklehorse, ended his life outside a friend’s home in Tennessee. He had recently located there to work on his music.

Post-Sparklehorse, Linkous produced Daniel Johnston’s 2003 album Fear Yourself and had collaborated with Danger Mouse for Dark Night Of The Soul.

Sadness has pinpointed Linkous’s life ever since he ingested a dangerous cocktail of antidepressants and valium while on tour in the UK in 1996. The mix left him clinically dead for two minutes. His recovery was painful; a lack of oxygen to his legs while unconscious for 14 hours afterwards left him paralysed. He underwent seven surgeries and when medics attempted to straighten his legs, he suffered a heart attack.

Linkous’s family made this statement in lament:

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. 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 a star for you.”

- Carley Hall