Police have confirmed the death of Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison at the age of 36.
His body was found at Port Edgar, near the town of South Queensferry in Scotland, at around 8.30pm on Thursday. The frontman was reported missing in the early hours of Wednesday. In a statement, his family said:
“As a family, we are utterly devastated with the tragic loss of our beloved Scott. Despite his disappearance, and the recent concerns over his mental health, we had all remained positive and hopeful that he would walk back through the door, having taken some time away to compose himself.
“Scott, like many artists, wore his heart on his sleeve and that was evident in the lyrics of his music and the content of many of his social media posts. He was passionate, articulate and charismatic, as well as being one of the funniest and kindest people we knew. Friends and family would all agree that he had a brilliant sense of humour and was a great person to be around. In addition to his musical success, Scott was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. Despite whatever else was going on in his life he always had time for those he cared for.
“Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you. Scott battled bravely with his own issues for many years and we are immensely proud of him for being so open with his struggles. His willingness to discuss these matters in the public domain undoubtedly raised awareness of mental health issues and gave others confidence and belief to discuss their own issues.
“To all of those who have come forward with such kind messages of support over the past couple of days, we wish to express our most sincerest of thanks. We have been overwhelmed by the love that has been conveyed, not only to Scott, but to our family. It means the world to us."
In a Twitter post, Hutchison's bandmates said: "There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort. Reading messages of support and hope from those he has helped through his art has helped immensely and we encourage you to continue doing this. He will be missed by all of us and his absence will always be felt but he leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and colour that will forever be remembered and shared. Rest peacefully Scott."
Hutchison, who hailed from Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, formed Frightened Rabbit as a solo project in 2003. He was joined by his drummer brother, Grant, in time to record their 2006 debut, ‘Sing The Greys’.
It was their second album, 2008’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ that broke through, earning glowing reviews on its way to becoming a cult classic. They signed to Atlantic Records for 2013’s ‘Pedestrian Verse’ and released ‘Painting of a Panic Attack’ three years later.
Hutchison returned to solo work in 2014 under his Owl John moniker, putting out a self-titled album. Earlier this year, meanwhile, he joined Grant and the Lockey brothers, Justin and James, in the alt-rock band Mastersystem for a record called ‘Dance Music’.
The Samaritans can be contacted in the UK on 116 123. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline in in the US can be reached on 1-800-273-8255. Click here for list of support lines around the world.
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