The details are unknown and the circumstances of his death were not released to the public, however, a publicist for Linkous has confirmed that Mark Linkous did in fact commit suicide. This confirmation was released through Rolling Stone Magazine and a statement from the Linkous family reads in part, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today.”
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member Mark Linkous took his own life today," the family said.
While the circumstances of Mark Linkous’ death were not publicly released he did have a history of substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs.
Mark Linkous struggled with depression and inner demons for years, pouring many of those feelings into the gloomy but gorgeously produced music of Sparklehorse. In 1996, he nearly died after taking a mix of valium and antidepressants while on tour. He passed out in a bathroom in a position that cut off circulation to his legs for 14 hours. When paramedics attempted to straighten his legs, Linkous suffered a heart attack. He eventually recovered, but required multiple surgeries to repair damage to his limbs.
Linkous was working on a new Sparklehorse album that had nearly reached completion and was set to be released by the Anti- record label.
Dark Night of the Soul for sure. Praying for his family and friends. You’ll be missed, Mark.
Video of Mark Linkous. Sparklehorse performs "Saturday" during an in-studio performance at The Current.
