Nell Smith, rising singer who collaborated with the Flaming Lips, dies at 17

Nell Smith, who celebrated her birthday in July, was a devoted fan of the Flaming Lips years before she became a collaborator. Photo: Nell Smith/Instagram

Nell Smith, a rising Canada-based musician who was best known for her work with the Flaming Lips, has died. She was 17.

Nell died Saturday (Oct 5) evening, her family announced Monday in a statement on the singer-songwriter's Instagram page. Nell was "feisty, talented, unique, beautiful" and the family said it is "reeling from the news and don't know what to do or say."