The fatal disappearance of country singer Luke Bell was reportedly not the first time he went missing.
Bell could never find a solution to deal with his bipolar disorder and had disappeared in the past, but was always found, 32-year-old manager Brian Buchanan told TMZ.
“Luke fought as hard as he could here, but the disease got the better of him,” Buchanan said. “When he defeated the disease, he was the sweetest and most generous man. He has now found peace and there is some comfort.”
Bell’s body was discovered Monday in Tucson, Arizona, around the same area he was reported missing 10 days earlier.
He and compatriot Matt Kinman were in town to visit Kinman’s family and perform music, the outlet said.
According to the report, the duo were planning to have some dinner when Bells disappeared.
Bell’s official cause of death is pending an autopsy. However, Kinman told music blog The Boot that his friend had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, adding that a recent change in his medication may have “played a role” in his disappearance. TMZ reported that he had been given medication, but his manager was unsure when he was taking medication before his disappearance.
The Post has reached out to a Bell representative for comment.
Members of the country music scene recalled Bell on social media after his death was announced.
“Man… Luke Bell…what the fk,” compatriot Joshua Hedley tweeted. “RIP to a real one. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him and I was talking about him recently and wondering what he’s been up to. A really sad night for country music.”
Meanwhile, the band Mike and the Moonpies wrote a touching Facebook tribute.
“We have just received word of Luke Bell’s passing and we are heartbroken by the news,” they wrote. “I vividly remember the first time I first met Luke at Hole in the Wall over a decade ago, right down to the clothes on his back.”
They added: “The man (and his music) left an impression. He was a real traveling troubadour out there on that lost highway. Do yourself a favor and put on some Luke Bell tunes tonight in his memory. Rest in peace, friend.”