According to Chief Deputy Chad Brooks at the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, the young musician, who appeared in season 8 of the talent show, is found dead inside a bathroom on the floor with drugs and paraphernalia.
- Dec 9, 2021
AceShowbiz - New details surrounding the sudden passing of Skilyr Hicks have surfaced. According to Chief Deputy Chad Brooks at the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, the former "America's Got Talent" contestant's death has been suspected to be caused by drug overdose.
Chad told TMZ that the 23-year-old was found inside a bathroom on the floor of her friend's home on December 6 in Liberty, South Carolina. Chad also stated that drugs and paraphernalia were found near her body. The young singer/songwriter was pronounced dead at the scene.
Skilyr's mom, Jodi, confirmed that Skilyr suffered mental health issues. She told the outlet, "[She] battled with mental health issues, including depression and substance abuse," before adding, "She will live on through her music."
Following Skilyr's sudden passing, her sister, Breelyn Hicks, paid tribute on her Facebook page. The 25-year-old wrote, "My super beautiful, extremely talented, hilarious, free spirit of a sister left this world to be with Jesus. I can't possibly put into words how broken-hearted I am. I will miss her like crazy. I'll miss her voice, her long warm hugs, her constantly making jokes using puns. Her ability to create music that inspired thousands of people."
"She had so much life left to live. Skilyr, I don't know how I'll be able to live without you. You were a light that shown brighter than ever. You were my best friend, you were my rock. We always had each other's back no matter what," Breelyn continued. "Just know that I love you unconditionally, That you will live on in our hearts, minds, memories, and through your God Given Musical Ability. Your Songs are your legacy. Fly High, Little Bird. I love you soo much. Love Always, Your Bree."
A few months before her death, Skilyr shared a Facebook post, noting that her music "helped [her] cry the tears that [she was] holding onto for so long." The musician, who appeared in season 8 of the talent show, began, "I don't make music, music makes me. It's my life, the breath in my lungs, and it's the steady beating of my heart."
"It has helped me to heal me when no one else could. It has helped me cry the tears that I was holding onto for so long. It has showed me that I don't have to put on this so called 'metaphorical mask' that everyone seems to be putting on these days," Skilyr added in her June post. "That I don't have to hide my pain, that it's ok to show how you feel, it's Ok to be YOU. It has touched a deep part of my soul that before I never knew existed."
Following her time as a contestant on "AGT", Skilyr faced some legal troubles. It's reported that the young artist was arrested for underage drinking in 2018. She also spent some time in jail after allegedly fighting her family members.
