Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American songwriter and musician from Portland, Oregon who rose to prominence when his song "Miss Misery" from the Good Will Hunting soundtrack was nominated for an Oscar in the best original song category in 1998.

Death

Smith battled depression (and had tried to commit suicide in 1997 http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/06/news-pelisek.php), alcoholism, and drug addiction for many years, which is sometimes evident in his music; however, seemingly obvious songs such as "Needle in the Hay" were frequently misinterpreted to be about his own battles, when in reality his own problems with drugs did not develop until years later. He died in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California at age 34, from multiple stab wounds to the chest. While the death was originally reported as a suicide, the official autopsy report released in late December 2003 left the question open:

Related Topics:
Echo Park - Los Angeles, California - Stab - Chest - Suicide - Autopsy

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While his history of depression is compatible with suicide, and the location and direction of the stab wounds are consistent with self-infliction, several aspects of the circumstances (as are known at this time) are atypical of suicide and raise the possibility of homicide. These include the absence of hesitation wounds, stabbing through clothing, and the presence of small incised wounds on the right arm and left hand (possible defensive wounds). Additionally, the girlfriend's reported removal of the knife and subsequent refusal to speak with detectives are all of concern.

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According to the coroner's report, the alleged suicide note, written on a Post-it, read, "I'm so sorry-love, Elliot God forgive me." The misspelling of "Elliott" was later acknowledged as a mistake on the part of the coroner.

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Multiple unreleased songs he had recently recorded were released as From a Basement on the Hill by his family following his death.

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