‘The Voice’ Star Cause of Death Revealed

Ryan Whyte Maloney, known for his powerful voice and guitar skills as a contestant on The Voice Season 6, tragically passed away on January 28, 2025. The 44-year-old died by suicide after fatally shooting himself in the head in Las Vegas.

The heartbreaking incident occurred during an argument with his fiancée while they were out in the city. The couple had been enjoying their time in Las Vegas when things escalated to a fatal point.

Ryan first rose to fame on The Voice in 2014, where he impressed all four judges—Blake Shelton, Usher, Shakira, and Adam Levine—with his singing and guitar-playing talents. Blake Shelton chose Ryan for his team, and together they made it all the way to the top five, with Ryan earning a dedicated fan base. Though he didn’t win, Ryan’s performances on the show showcased his immense potential as a musician, and he continued to pursue a music career in the years that followed.

According to the Clark County Office of the Coroner, Ryan’s death was ruled a suicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police report details the events that led to his passing. On the night of January 28, Ryan and his fiancée were driving through Las Vegas after leaving the New York-New York Hotel and Casino when they got into a heated argument over her jacket.

During the altercation, Ryan became upset, called his fiancée a derogatory term, and retrieved a handgun from the glove compartment. He exited the car and walked away, and shortly after, his fiancée heard two gunshots. She rushed to the scene and found Ryan collapsed on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite her attempts to get help, Ryan was pronounced dead when police arrived.

Surveillance footage from the New York-New York Hotel and nearby MGM Grand Casino captured parts of the tragic incident. The police report also revealed that Ryan had previously struggled with thoughts of suicide and had marks on his arms, indicating past self-harm attempts.

Ryan’s death follows another recent shooting involving a Voice alum. In November 2024, Season 11 winner Sundance Head, who was also coached by Blake Shelton, was involved in a shooting incident at his Texas ranch. Thankfully, Sundance has since recovered from his injuries.