Former “America’s Got Talent” contestant Skilyr Hicks has died at the age of 23.
The news was confirmed to Fox News Digital by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, Hicks was found dead in a home in Liberty, South Carolina on Monday. The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said an officer came to the home “to assist EMS [emergency medical services] about a possible overdose, “however, the cause of death has not been publicly shared.
“She will live through her music,” the musician’s mother, Jodi, told TMZ, noting that her daughter suffered from mental health problems, including depression and substance abuse.
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Hicks’ sister Breelyn also posted a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook, confirming the news. “The night of Monday, December 6, 2021 will be a day that I can never forget,” he wrote. “My sister, Skilyr Hicks, passed away. My super beautiful, extremely talented, hilarious, free-spirited sister left this world to be with Jesus.”
Former ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestant Skilyr Hicks has died at the age of 23.
(Photo by: Bill Records / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Breelyn continued: “I cannot put into words how heartbroken I am. I will miss her like crazy. I will miss her voice, her long, warm hugs, her constant joke using puns. Her ability to create music that inspired thousands of people. there was a lot of life left to live. Skilyr, I don’t know how I can live without you. You were a light that showed brighter than ever. You were my best friend, you were my rock. We always supported each other no matter what. You just have to know that I love you unconditionally, that you will live in our hearts, minds, memories and through your God-given musical ability. Your songs are your legacy. Stop, little bird. I love you so much. Always lovingly, your Bree. “
He concluded his post with red heart emojis and praying hands.
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Hicks, a singer, appeared on two episodes of “AGT” in 2013. At the time, Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howard Stern were judges, while Nick Cannon was the host.
The star was just 14 years old when she auditioned for the popular reality competition show, just a few years after her father’s death.
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During her televised audition, Hicks said her father “made some bad decisions” and hadn’t seen his daughter “in a few years.” She wrote her first song after her funeral.
He got “yes” votes from all four judges after performing an original song. It was eliminated shortly after.
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According to TMZ, she was arrested in 2018 for underage drinking and spent some time in jail for allegedly harming her family.
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Hicks is survived by his mother and four siblings.