‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestant Skilyr Hicks Found Dead at 23

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Skilyr Hicks, a young contestant who impressed the judges on America’s Got Talent back in 2013, has died. The singer appeared on the reality show at age 14, performing an original song with a poignant story about the loss of her father. Hicks passed away Monday (Dec. 6) in Liberty, South Carolina, her sister Breelyn Hicks shared on Facebook. She was 23.

“My super beautiful, extremely talented, hilarious, free spirit of a sister left this world to be with Jesus,” Breelyn wrote. “I can’t possibly put into words how broken-hearted I am. I will miss her like crazy. I’ll miss her voice, her long warm hugs, her constantly making jokes using puns. Her ability to create music that inspired thousands of people. She had so much life left to live.”

Earlier, TMZ had reported that the sisters’ mother, Jodi Hicks, told the outlet that Skilyr had been found lifeless at the home of a friend.

“Skilyr, I don’t know how I’ll be able to live without you,” her sister continued. “You were a light that shown brighter than ever. You were my best friend, you were my rock. We always had each other’s back no matter what.”

According to TMZ’s report, Jodi Hicks said that Skilyr had been battling mental health issues, including depression and substance abuse. The AGT performer was arrested in 2017 and 2018 for assaulting family members while underage drinking.

On AGT, Hicks auditioned using an original song. She performed for the judges at the time — Howard Stern, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel — telling them about the loss of her father a few years priod.

“He made some bad decisions and I hadn’t seen him in a few year,” she said. “After his funeral I wrote my first song.”

Playing the guitar as accompaniment, Hicks wowed the judges. Mandel said that she was “inspiring the nation,” and all four judges voted yes, moving her forward in the competition. Eventually, she was eliminated during the season’s live rounds.

Scroll up to watch Hicks’ full America’s Got Talent clip in the video above.