The singer, who competed on the reality show in 2014, died by suicide, the Clark County Coroner’s office in Las Vegas confirmed on Tuesday, January 28. (People was the first to report the news.)
Just hours before his passing, Whyte Maloney shared a video on his Instagram Stories from what appeared to be a restaurant. “Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight,” he said in the clip. “And we will be rocking.”
During his time on The Voice, Whyte Maloney performed Journey’s Lights for his blind audition, earning a four-chair turn from coaches Usher, Shakira, Blake Shelton, and Adam Levine.
“Y’all will never know how f’ng scary this was to do,” he wrote via Instagram on January 13, alongside a clip of his audition. “Hah no sleep, 10am/sober yeah!!!”
Ultimately, he chose to join Shelton’s team and advanced through two Battle rounds. Though he didn’t reach the finals, he became one of Shelton’s top five finalists that season.
The Voice Alum Ryan Whyte Maloney Dead at 44
Reflecting on his journey, Whyte Maloney shared on Instagram on January 16 that his experience on The Voice came at a challenging time in his life.
“When the opportunity arose to showcase my talent on The Voice, I was in a dire state during filming,” he wrote.
Ryan Whyte Maloney (Photo: Universal Pictures)“Struggling financially, resorting to meager scraps for sustenance from the hotel garbage and hallways, while those around me reveled carefreely with their family like they were on vacation, I stood there, trembling with fear, merely surviving.”
While the audience and viewers may have seen him as “just another act in the show,” Whyte Maloney viewed the competition as a defining moment for his future.
“[It’s] a battle for my future, a testament to my dedication to my craft,” he shared. “Persistence is key — never falter, never surrender!”
After the show, he continued pursuing his passion for music, performing live at the M Resort in Las Vegas.
In 2024, Whyte Maloney had the opportunity to take the stage at Shelton’s new venue, Ole Red, on its opening day. He continued performing at the Las Vegas location as part of an ongoing residency.
The Voice Coaches Through the Years
In the weeks leading up to his passing, Whyte Maloney appeared to be focused on creating new music. One of his final Instagram posts featured a selfie taken at TruNorth Recording Studio.
“Wake up,” he captioned the photo. “Let’s kill this day baby!”
