“The Voice” Alum Ryan Whyte Maloney Dies at 44

The musician, who died by suicide, appeared on 'The Voice' in 2014, where he received a four-chair turn for auditioning with "Lights" by Journey

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Global Genes Ryan Whyte Maloney in California in September 2016

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Global Genes

Ryan Whyte Maloney in California in September 2016

The Voice alum Ryan Whyte Maloney has died. He was 44.

The Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas confirmed the death to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Whyte Maloney died by suicide, with the cause of death listed by the coroner as a gunshot wound to the head.

On Monday, Jan. 27, the musician had posted a video to his Instagram Stories while at what appeared to be a bar.

"Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking," he said in the clip, flexing a rock hand gesture.

Ryan Whyte Maloney/Instagram Ryan Whyte Maloney in January 2025

Ryan Whyte Maloney/Instagram

Ryan Whyte Maloney in January 2025

Related: 'America's Got Talent' and 'The Voice' Alum Nolan Neal's Cause of Death Determined

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Born in Traverse City, Mich in 1981, Whyte Maloney grew up playing the guitar, violin, cello, and drums. Eventually, he landed as the frontman of the prog-rock outfit Indulge and recorded the album Tomorrow's Another Day in 2005. After 10 years of touring with the band, he began working on solo material.

Later, he recorded his debut solo album Where I've Been, which was produced by Sean O'Dwyer (The Black Crowes, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd).

Throughout 2010 to 2013, he performed throughout the country as his original songs "Hillbilly", "Michigan Moonlight" and "Living with No Directions" were played on country radio in Michigan, Nevada, Colorado and California.

Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Cheryl J. Kagan PR Ryan Whyte Maloney in October 2017

Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Cheryl J. Kagan PR

Ryan Whyte Maloney in October 2017

In 2014, Whyte Maloney appeared on The Voice, where he performed "Lights" by Journey in a blind audition and received a four-chair turn.

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Whyte Maloney joined Blake Shelton's team where he endured two Battle rounds and became one of the country star's top 5 finalists.

While on The Voice, he recorded four hit singles including "Lights" by Journey, Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It", "Easy" by Rascal Flatts and "Second Chance" by Shinedown.

He eventually returned to perform during the season finale.

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Tyler Golden/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Ryan Whyte Maloney on 'The Voice'

Tyler Golden/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Ryan Whyte Maloney on 'The Voice'

Related: Nolan Neal, Former 'America's Got Talent' and 'The Voice' Contestant, Dead at 41

Over the years, Whyte Maloney continued pursuing his music career as a songwriter for other artists and as a studio musician/engineer/producer. In January 2023, he released a single on country radio called “Don’t Put Me in a Box.” His next release was called “Love with Nowhere to Go." He also released “Sleepwalk” and “Toast To Tonight."

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In 2024, Whyte Maloney regularly performed at the opening of Shelton's venue Ole Red, where he had an ongoing residency.

Throughout his career, Whyte Maloney shared stages with Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Rascal Flatts, Shakira, Usher, Ed Sheeran and more.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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