Country singer Mindy McCready has been found dead in the United States after an apparent suicide.
Born in 1975 in Fort Myers, Florida, Mindy McCready's first musical experience came via church. Raised in a musical environment, the singer moved to Nashville at the age of 18 to pursue a career as a solo star.
Meeting producers Norro Wilson and David Malloy, McCready's was a true Nashville story. Arriving with virtually nothing to her name, the singer signed her first major recording deal exactly 51 weeks later.
Enjoying huge success in the United States, Mindy McCready's career notched up 12 hits on the country music charts. Dogged by mental health issues, the American artist had previously attempted suicide twice and was known to have suffered substance abuse problems.
A few weeks ago McCready's partner, record producer David Wilson, was found dead and the singer was reportedly struggling to cope with her grief.
Speaking to NBC's Dateline programme she said that she had "never gone through anything this painful…. He didn't just touch my heart, he touched my soul."
Police were called to Mindy McCready's home on Sunday afternoon after reports of gunshots. According to Arkansas sheriff Marty Moss, the singer died from an "apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound". (via BBC)
Our thoughts are with her friends and family.
