Ryan Whyte Maloney, The Voice Alum, Dies at 44

Ryan Whyte Maloney, a participant on Blake Shelton's team during season six of The Voice in 2014, has sadly passed away at the age of 44. The Clark County Coroner in Las Vegas confirmed this news to People on January 28. According to the coroner, Maloney died by suicide.

The music community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Less than a day before his death, Maloney shared a personal moment on social media. On January 27, he posted a video to his Instagram Story while at a bar.

In the clip, he wore a black shirt, a leather jacket, and a necklace with a silver pendant. He flexed a "rock-on" hand gesture while spinning to give a 360-degree view of the dimly lit venue. He enthusiastically stated, "Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking."

Earlier in January, Maloney remembered his The Voice experience as a significant highlight in a challenging time. He ranked as a top five finalist on Blake Shelton’s team before his elimination. On January 17, he posted a reflective message on Instagram about his stint on the show.

"I was at home all depressed after The Voice," he wrote, sharing a video of himself singing a cover of Morgan Wallen's "Summertime" alongside fellow contestants. "I was trying to put my life back together. Then I received a call from The Voice asking me to return for the finale, and it became the best time of my life!"

In addition to his time on The Voice, Maloney achieved acclaim as the frontman of the progressive rock band Indulge. He recorded the album Tomorrow's Another Day in 2005 and toured with the group for a decade. Beyond that, he made a name for himself as a solo artist.

Since his career began, he released several singles, such as "Hillbilly" and "Michigan Moonlight," leading up to the 2024 release of an album named Where I've Been. Maloney felt that his journey before The Voice prepared him for his essential audition.

"For the audience, I was just another act," he expressed in an Instagram post on January 16. "Yet to me, that moment was a battle for my future, a testament to my dedication. Persistence is key — never falter, never surrender!"