Country music singer Mindy McCready has died of an apparent suicide attempt. The troubled country music star was found dead on Sunday at the age of 37. Reportedly, neighbors heard two gunshots – McCready shot herself and her dog.
The Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office released a statement:“At 3:31 PM, Sunday, February 17th Deputies from the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of gun shots fired in the area of 1132 Fox Chase Drive in Heber Springs. Officers arrived on the scene at 3:58 PM and discovered the body of 37-year-old Melinda Gayle McCready on the front porch of the residence at 1132 Fox Chase. Ms. McCready was pronounced dead at the scene from what appears to be a single self-inflicted gunshot wound. At this time family members have been notified of the incident. Ms. Mcready will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy and the matter will be fully investigated.”
McCready has had a troubled few months which may have contributed to the apparent suicide. The father of McCready’s youngest child, record producer David Wilson, was found dead in his home on January 13 of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. In February, McCready’s two children were removed from her home by a judge and she was committed to a treatment facility for a mental-health and alcohol-abuse evaluation.
McCready had attempted suicide twice before — once in 2005 and again in 2008. She also made several trips to rehab and appeared in 2010 on the VH1 reality show “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”
Celebrities reacated to the singer’s death on Twitter:
Carrie Underwood: “I grew up listening to Mindy McCready… so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them…”
Katie Cook: “Mindy McCready is now at peace. Mindy, tonight I choose to remember you when your future was bright.”
Richard Marx: “Such a drag to hear about Mindy McCready. Her poor children.”
LeAnn Rimes: “My heart goes out to Mindy McCready’s family. I knew her well. It’s a horribly tragedy. May peace be with her sons.”
Jason Aldean: “Just heard about Mindy McCready. My thoughts and prayers are with her 2 boys and her family.”
Martina McBride: “So sad.”
Chely Wright: “Really really sad to learn the news about Mindy McCready. I will pray for her children and I hope that people are gentle with her memory.”
Gretchen Peters: “So sad to hear about Mindy McCready. I met her in the first flush of her early career. This is a hard business. Sometimes success is poison.”
Melissa Gilbert: “Heartbreakingly sad.”
Clay Aiken: “I listened admiringly to Mindy McCready growing up. May she finally be at peace and lend her beautiful voice to heaven’s #tenthousandangels”
John Rich: “Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life.”
Wynonna Judd: “Oh my! Mindy. Dear sweet girl. This is so sad. It just breaks my heart what addiction continues to take from this life. Addiction is a dis EASE & not a character flaw. When the pain becomes too much, it causes people to want that pain to stop. This is just so Unbelievable & so sad. God be with the family & those babies. Surround them with your grace & mercy. Sleep in Heavenly peace Mindy.”