'America's Got Talent' Contestant Skilyr Hicks Who Performed Song for Late Father Found Dead in Friend's Home at 23

The "America's Got Talent" fraternity and the world at large are mourning the death of young singer-songwriter Skilyr Hicks, who passed away on Monday at a friend's house.

The one-time "America's Got Talent" contestant Skilyr Hicks, 23, was discovered dead at a friend's house in Liberty, South Carolina. However, the circumstances of her demise remain a mystery to the family.

Her mother, Jodi, speaking to TMZ, disclosed that she did not know the cause of her daughter's death nor the owner of the home in which her daughter was found.

Skilyr Hicks performs before judges on "America's Got Talent" | Source: YouTube/ America's Got Talent

HICKS PASSES ON

She told the publication that her daughter had battled mental health issues, including substance abuse and depression, for some time before her passing.

Jodi says Hicks's four siblings and the rest of the family loved her and were devastated by the news. She, however, points out that Hicks used her gift of music to help others. The mother of five added about her daughter:

"She will live on through her music."

Besides her health troubles, Hicks has made headlines for the wrong reasons in the past several years. In November 2018, she had a run-in with the authorities for underage drinking.

TMZ also previously reported that in April 2017, Hicks spent some time in jail after she allegedly roughed up three of her family members, including her grandmother and older sister, while under the influence of alcohol.

HICKS'S STINT AT "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT"

Hicks was only 14 years old when she appeared on the 8th season of the televised talent show competition "America's Got Talent." She performed before judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Mel B, singing her original song.

Performing her song "Brand New Day," she impressed the judges enough to get three "Yeses" and moved on to the next round. Even though she got eliminated, her performance remains a memory to many that watched her.

The self-taught singer disclosed that she'd started singing while still a baby. She, however, began playing the guitar after her dad had passed on a few years earlier after making some bad decisions.

The "Forever In My Heart" singer channeled her pain towards learning to play, write and sing, adding that her music helped her through the difficult time. Howard consoled her, saying that her dad would be proud of her.

Following the news of her passing, fans on Twitter sent out their condolences to the family, while others paid tributes to the young singer by typing in "Rest in Peace."

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