Holiday Reminder: Drug & Alcohol Abuse; Skilyr Hicks, 'America's Got Talent' Singer Dies At Age 23

Although the holidays are a celebratory time for most people, some are dealing with loneliness, illness, PTSD, or drug or alcohol dependency. If you know anyone who may be dealing with any of those things, please reach out to them.  During the week of December 6th a 23 year old girl from South Carolina who made a huge impression with her voice and song on America's Got Talent, died from a drug overdose. Although this is her story, please use it as n inspiration to reach out to others.

Skilyr Hicks, 'America's Got Talent' Singer Who Went Viral, Dies At Age 23

Huff Post Dec. 9, 2021  

Skilyr Hicks, who as a 14-year-old sang her way into the hearts of all four judges in a moving “America’s Got Talent” audition, has died, her mother told TMZ. She was 23.

Hicks’ body was found at a friend’s home in Liberty, South Carolina, on Monday, the outlet reported. Chief Deputy Chad Brooks of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said a drug overdose was suspected as the cause, although the county coroner told HuffPost that an investigation into Hicks’ death is ongoing.

“She will live on through her music,” Hicks’ mother, Jodi, said.

In a Facebook post, the singer’s sister, Breelyn Hicks, lauded Skilyr’s “ability to create music that inspired thousands of people,” per Deadline. “She had so much life left to live,” Breelyn wrote.

The former contestant had experienced substance abuse and mental health issues, her mother said.

In 2013, an initially flustered Hicks gave a performance on “AGT” with an original song dedicated to her deceased father, who she said “made bad decisions.” “It’s a message that came too late for my dad, but I know if he could see me now, he’d be really proud of me,” she said.

Her act won the approval of all four judges, including Howard Stern, who said, “I think America will fall in love with you.” Hicks’ performance went viral online. But she was eliminated from the talent competition soon after her appearance.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/6y9w_JTrIz4

 

Hicks last posted a clip of her singing on an Instagram account in 2019.

Over the years, the singer-songwriter had a few run-ins with the law. In 2017, she was arrested for assaulting three family members while intoxicated, according to reports. She did some jail time. The following year, she was arrested for underage drinking.

She is survived by her mother and four siblings.

Around Thanksgiving, another former “AGT” entrant, Jay Jay Phillips, died after contracting COVID-19. He was 30.

*********************************************

Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.

OR Call Pinnacle Treatment Center: 1 (844) 696-4372  https://pinnacletreatment.com/blog/ally-holidays-addiction-recovery/