On Monday, January 27, 2025, the Clark County Office of the Medical Examiner in Las Vegas, Nevada, confirmed that country music singer Ryan Whyte Maloney had died. He was 44.
Maloney rose to national attention in 2014 after auditioning for The Voice and obtaining a rare four-chair turnaround. He sang the Journey song “Lights.” He selected country superstar Blake Shelton as his vocal coach for the competition. Maloney advanced through two duet battle rounds on the show and ultimately made it to Shelton’s top-five. He later returned for a performance on the show’s season finale.
Before his appearance on the hit NBC show, Maloney released three original songs, “Hillbilly,” “Michigan Moonlight,” and “Living With No Directions,” which earned plays on country radio stations in Michigan, Nevada, Colorado, and California. After the show, he continued writing, producing, and recording music. In 2023, he released four singles, “Don’t Put Me in a Box,” “Love with Nowhere to Go,” “Sleepwalk,” and “Toast to Tonight,” which all received plays on country radio stations.
In 2024, Maloney began a Vegas residency at Ole Red, a venue owned by Shelton. He performed at the venue’s opening at the beginning of 2024. His online bio reads, “Ryan dreams big and pushes on towards the lights of the stage with a charismatic motto, ‘Only Those Who See The Invisible Accomplish The Impossible.'”
Despite his optimistic outward persona, Maloney seemed to harbor underlying mental health struggles. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or suicidality, don’t hesitate to reach out to the national helpline at 988.
