FormerAmerica’s Got TalentandThe VoicecontestantNolan Neal’s cause of death has been determined.
The Nashville-based singer, who competed on season 15 ofAGTand season 11 ofThe Voice, died at 41 on July 18 in his apartment. The coroner determined Neal died from “acute combined drug toxicity,” and his death was ruled an accident.
Nolan Neal on AGT.Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Neal’s cousinDylan Sealsconfirmed toTMZat the time of the musician’s death that the singer was found dead in his apartment. At the time, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department toldPage Sixthat officers received a call of a “deceased person” that was later identified as Neal.
“On the desk next to the bed was a black guitar pick that appeared to contain a powder residue,” a spokesperson from the department revealed to the outlet. “The victim reportedly struggled with substance abuse.”
Seals told PEOPLE at the time of Neal’s death that he was “saddened” that the musician “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse.”
“He was always open and honest about that struggle,” Seals said. “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.”
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
In July 2020, Neal toldWBIR, “I joined the rock band Hinder, they were all about drinking and partying.”
“I remember going to a bar and ordering a drink. I tried to hide it,” he continued. “I remember pretending to be normal. I was just lying to myself telling myself that I could control it.”
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Neal first rose to recognition onThe Voicein 2016. His audition performance of the Incubus song “Drive” allowed him to nab a spot onAdam Levine’s team, though he was eventually eliminated from the competition.
Nearly four years later, Neal went on to compete onAmerica’s Got Talentin 2020. He auditioned withan original song called “Lost.“He was later eliminated in the Judges' Choice section of the Quarterfinals.
Simon Cowell (left) and Nolan Neal.Amy Sussman/Getty, Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Weeks after Neal died,Simon Cowellshared his thoughts on the tragedy with PEOPLE.
“Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years,” Cowell, 62, says ahead ofAGT’s live shows on Tuesday. “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.”
“At that moment, it’s like, ‘What can I say?'” he notes. “The unfortunate thing is it’s happened too many times and every time it happens, it’s hard.”
Referencing the Februarydeath of fellowAGTcontestant Nightbirde, who was also his Golden Buzzer selection in season 16, Cowell says: “After the last three years, it’s been tough. And then, you think everything’s okay and then something hits you like a story like that and it’s hard.”
“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,” he adds. “That’s it. I mean, I was talking about this to someone earlier on, you’re never prepared for these days.”
source: people.com
