Ryan Whyte Maloney, a talented musician and former contestant on The Voice, tragically passed away at the age of 44. The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Las Vegas confirmed on Tuesday, January 28, that Maloney died by suicide, with the cause of death listed as a gunshot wound to the head.
Born in 1981 in Traverse City, Michigan, Maloney displayed a passion for music from an early age. He was a multi-instrumentalist, mastering the cello, guitar, violin, and drums. He initially spent 10 years as the frontman of the progressive rock band Indulge before embarking on a solo career.
Maloney gained national recognition in 2014 when he competed on season six of The Voice. His powerful rendition of Journey’s “Lights” earned a rare four-chair turn, impressing all the coaches. Ultimately, he chose to join Blake Shelton’s team. During his time on the show, Maloney delivered memorable performances of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” Rascal Flatts’ “Easy,” and Shinedown’s “Second Chance.” He became one of Shelton’s top five finalists before being eliminated later in the season. Despite his exit, he was invited back to perform on the season finale.
Following his stint on The Voice, Maloney remained an active figure in the music industry. He was a regular performer at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red bar in Las Vegas, where he had an ongoing weekend residency. Maloney’s passing is a tragic loss to the music community and his devoted fans. His talent, passion, and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered for his powerful performances and heartfelt music.