Country singer Luke Bell’s fatal disappearance was allegedly not the first time he had gone missing.
Bell could never find a solution to cope with his bipolar disorder and had disappeared in the past, but was always found, the late 32-year-old’s manager, Brian Buchanan, told TMZ.
“Luke fought this as hard as he could, but the disease got the better of him,” Buchanan said. “When he was beating the disease, he was the sweetest and most generous guy. He’s found peace now and there’s some comfort.”
Bell’s body was discovered in Tucson, Arizona, on Monday, around the same area he was reported missing 10 days prior.
He and fellow country singer Matt Kinman were in town to visit Kinman’s family and perform music, according to the outlet.
The duo was planning to grab some food when Bells disappeared, according to the report.
Bell’s official cause of death is pending an autopsy. However, Kinman told music blog The Boot that his friend had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, adding that a recent change in his medication might have “played a role” in his disappearance. TMZ reported that he was prescribed medication but his manager was uncertain when he was taking medicine before his disappearance.
The Post has contacted a representative for Bell for comment.
Members of the country music scene remembered Bell on social media after his death was announced.
“Man…Luke Bell…what the f–k,” fellow country star Joshua Hedley tweeted. “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.”
Meanwhile, the band Mike and the Moonpies wrote a moving Facebook tribute.
“Word just came down on the passing of Luke Bell and we’re heartbroken over the news,” they wrote. “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.”
They added: “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.”
