Rising country star Luke Bell has died at the age of 32, just after disappearing for more than a week in Tucson, Arizona.

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The country artist known for hit songs like “Where Ya Been?” and “The Bullfighter,” has been confirmed to have passed away. Luke Bell went missing August 20th near 4th Ave. in Tucson, Arizona. 

According to online blog Saving Country Music, Bell was working in Arizona doing shows and livestreams with fellow artist Matt Kinman. Kinman reported that after he went to get something to eat, Bell had run off. Kinman states, “…we came down here to Arizona, to work down here, play some music, and he just took off. He was in the back of the truck. I went in to get something to eat. I came out, and he’d got out of the truck and left.” As investigations continue, authorities have told the New York Post that the cause of death remains “unknown” at the present time. 

Rolling Stone has described Luke Bell’s music style as “classic honky-tonk with a wink and a yodel that summons the sleeping ghosts of country better than any voodoo spell ever could.”

Celebrity Tributes on Social Media

Tributes outpoured to Bell on social media from fellow celebrities after the news broke. Country music singer-songwriter, Joshua Hedley wrote on Twitter: “Man…Luke Bell…what the f—k. RIP to a real one. Been a long time since I saw him and I was just talking about him the other day wondering what he’s been up to. Truly a sad night for country music.” Similarly, American country artist Margo Price took to Twitter to express her sadness: “Goddamn, rest east to our dear friend, Luke Bell ?.” 

Country band Mike and the Moonpies also shared their condolences on Facebook: “Word just came down on the passing of Luke Bell and we’re heartbroken over the news. I can vividly remember the first time I met Luke at Hole in the Wall over a decade ago, down to the clothes on his back. The man (and his music) left an impression. He was a real deal traveling troubadour out there on that lost highway. Do yourself a favor and put on some Luke Bell tunes tonight in his memory. Rest In Peace, friend.”

Published by HOLR Magazine.