Blake Shelton is devastated after learning that Ryan Whyte Maloney, a former contestant on The Voice and a member of his team, died by suicide in a shocking public incident in Las Vegas. The 44-year-old singer reportedly shot himself in the head after an argument with his fiancée, leaving the country music community reeling.
Ryan Whyte Maloney’s Tragic Death in Las Vegas
According to reports, Maloney had just finished a performance on the Las Vegas Strip on Jan. 27 when a heated argument erupted between him and his fiancée during their car ride home. Witnesses say he grabbed a gun from the glove compartment, jumped out of the vehicle, and fired a single shot. His fiancée chased after him, but before she could reach him, Maloney fired a fatal shot into his head.
His sudden death has left his loved ones in shock, and sources close to Shelton say the country superstar is struggling to process the heartbreaking news.
“Blake is absolutely shattered,” a source shared. “He wanted to do more to help Ryan, not just with his career, but also with the emotional struggles that come with chasing success in the music industry.”
Blake Shelton’s Heartbreak Over His Former Protégé
Maloney first gained national attention when he joined Shelton’s team on The Voice in 2014. While he had undeniable talent, his career never reached the heights he dreamed of. Shelton reportedly went out of his way to support Maloney, giving him opportunities to perform at his Ole Red venues and offering guidance over the years.
“Blake truly believed Ryan had the potential to make it big,” an insider revealed. “He constantly encouraged him and even helped him land great-paying gigs to keep him going.”
Despite Shelton’s support, Maloney struggled to break into the mainstream country music scene. His singles failed to gain traction on country radio, and behind the scenes, he battled emotional turmoil. Sources say Shelton had no idea the singer had been struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“He only learned later that Ryan had been dealing with severe emotional downturns,” a source added. “Ryan never showed that side of himself to Blake.”
Blake Shelton Remembers Ryan Whyte Maloney’s Passion for Music
Shelton, 48, has not yet made a public statement about Maloney’s passing, but insiders say he is taking the loss hard.
“He saw how much Ryan wanted to achieve the same kind of success he had,” a source explained. “Blake tried to uplift him, but no one realized how much pain Ryan was in.”
As the music industry mourns, those close to Maloney hope his passing sheds light on the struggles many artists face. Fans and fellow musicians continue to pay tribute to the singer, remembering him for his talent and passion for music.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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