Todd Snider, Alt-Country Singer and Songwriter, Dies at 59 After Being Hospitalized as ‘Victim of a Violent Assault’

Todd Snider, known for leading the Americana music scene with his witty songwriting, has died. He was 59. 

The alt-country singer’s team shared a statement to Snider’s social media accounts, announcing his Nov. 14 death just weeks after he sustained “severe injuries” in an alleged assault. 

“Aimless, Inc. Headquarters is heartbroken to share that our Founder, our Folk Hero, our Poet of the World, our Vice President of the Abrupt Change Dept., the Storyteller, our beloved Todd Daniel Snider has departed this world,” the message shared on Nov. 15 read. “Where do we find the words for the one who always had the right words, who knew how to distill everything down to its essence with words and song while delivering the most devastating, hilarious, and impactful turn of phrases?”

After moving to Nashville in the 1990s, the Oregon native began his career as a troubadour and a self-proclaimed “free spirit” before studying under famed talents like Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joe Shaver and more. Before long, his 2004 album, East Nashville Skyline, became a key figure in the development of alt-country and Americana music. 

“He relayed so much tenderness and sensitivity through his songs, and showed many of us how to look at the world through a different lens,” the tribute continued. “He got up every morning and started writing, always working towards finding his place among the songwriting giants that sat on his record shelves, those same giants who let him into their lives and took him under their wings, who he studied relentlessly. Guy Clark, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker.”

Earlier this month, the musician was arrested in Salt Lake City and booked on charges of disorderly conduct, threat of violence and trespassing. He was released hours later and taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries.

Hours after his release, the “Alright Guy” singer revealed that he had been the “victim of a violent assault out of his hotel” while announcing the cancellation of his Lonesome and Then Some Tour on social media. 

“Todd will be unable to perform for an underdetermined amount of time,” the Nov. 3 statement read. “We deeply apologize for the cancellation and any inconvenience it causes. We appreciate your understanding as Todd receives needed medical treatment. We hope to have more information on new dates soon.”

On Nov. 14, Snider’s friends and family shared that he had been diagnosed with walking pneumonia after he “began having trouble breathing” upon his return from the hospital. 

“Right now we’re asking everyone who loves Todd to hold him in your thoughts in whatever way feels right to you,” the Nov. 14 statement read. “Say a prayer, light a candle, roll one up, send strength, or just keep him close in your heart. You’ve carried him through so much over the years, and he needs that from all of us now more than ever.”