A cause of death has finally been determined for former America’s Got Talent and The Voice contestant, Nolan Neal – it was acute combined drug toxicity. The coroner’s office ruled the death, which occurred on July 18 at the country singer’s home in Nashville, an accident.
According to the Davidson County Medical Examiner’s office, Neal was using a combination of morphine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl at the time of death. When police officers arrived at his home, they found a black guitar pick with powder residue on his desk.
Nolan Neal has struggled with substance abuse in the past, which he has been open about since 2020. His struggle with drugs began when he joined the band, Hinder – a group of guys that loved to drink and party, according to Neal. The singer ultimately succumbed to his battle.
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Many people will recognize Neal from his days on The Voice in 2016. He performed Drive by Incubus during his audition and was a member of Adam Levine’s team. He was eventually eliminated during the Battle Round, but his talent was obvious and he continued to keep at it.
If you don’t recognize him from The Voice, then you likely remember his days on America’s Got Talent. Neal auditioned for the show in 2020 with an original song called Lost – the first song he wrote after getting out of rehab for substance abuse. He ultimately made it to the quarterfinals.
Neal’s body was originally discovered by his roommate, who reported it to the police. Dylan Seals, a cousin of Nolan, was heartbroken over the news. “He was a loving father and son. A light to all who knew him. My heart goes out to his two children and his mother Cathy,” he said.
At the time of his death, Nolan Neal is reportedly married to his wife, Stephanie Neal. He leaves behind two children, a daughter named Caylin and a son named Cadence – both from past relationships. Our hearts and prayers go out to Neal’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Simon Cowell on Nolan Neal: “You’re Never Prepared for These Days”
Simon Cowell was one of the judges who gave Nolan Neal a standing ovation after singing his song Lost on America’s Got Talent. He recently opened up about the news of his death, also citing the death of Nightbirde – an AGT contestant who passed away of cancer in February.
“Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years. I was thinking about this the other day. People [who] passed too soon. Every time it happens, because you’ve gotten to know them, it’s horrible,” said Cowell. “It’s happened too many times and every time it happens, it’s hard.”
Nolan Neal was signed to Hollywood Records at the time of his death. He released two albums under the record label, The Wire and NashviLA. His battle with drugs is one many recording artists are faced with every single year – largely due to their exposure to poor environments.
“But all I can say is, what I’ve learned from this, is that you just take every day as it is and you try and stay positive, you try and stay healthy. That’s it. I mean, I was talking about this to someone earlier on, you’re never prepared for these days,” added Cowell ahead of taping.
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Lost my friend and co-writer yesterday. I will never understand and it will never make sense. If you’re battling addiction, please please please get help. RIP Nolan Neal. Love you brother,” said JeremyBussey, a close friend and fellow songwriter of Nolan Neal, in a tweet.
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