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'Finally free and at peace': Luke Bell's MENTAL HEALTH worsened after father's death in 2015

Bell had been battling severe bipolar disorder for years at the time of his death

TUSCON, ARIZONA: Those who knew country singer Luke Bell knew that he was one of the most magnetizing and authentic artists to grace the genre in this modern era. And all the Bell fans would agree on this praise. He released only three albums, but through them Luke captured the essence of a bygone era - one with joyful aura and a serene mood, in country music that escapes even the most gifted and adept singers.

He undoubtedly was talented, and it was immensely shocking to people when reports of him being missing started surfacing on the internet. He went missing on August 20 when he accompanied co-artist Matt Kinman to work. His body was found on August 29 near from wher he went missing. Police in Tucson said Wednesday that Bell’s body was found on August 29, in the 5500 block of E Grant Road, near the Tucson Medical Center. His manager previously revealed that Bell had been battling severe bipolar disorder for years at the time of his death.

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According to New York Post, Luke’s fatal disappearance was allegedly not the first time he had gone missing. Bell could never find a way to cope with his bipolar disorder and had disappeared in the past, but was always found, the late 32-year-old’s manager, Brian Buchanan, told TMZ. “Luke fought this as hard as he could, but the disease got the better of him,” Buchanan said. “When he was beating the disease, he was the sweetest and most generous guy. He’s found peace now and there’s some comfort.”

"We have lost our beloved son, brother and friend and we are heartbroken," his family wrote in their statement. "Luke had a gentle heart, a wanderer’s spirit and a musical gift that he was fortunate to share with us and the world," they continued. "We are so grateful to his friends and fans for embracing Luke and his music. We would like to thank all of Luke’s fans, friends and family who have been sharing stories and photos of happy times with him."

They revealed that Bell’s struggles with mental illness had gotten worse in the past seven years.

The family attributed his worsening mental health to his father’s death in 2015; Bell’s family included a plea for ‘privacy’ and "room to grieve and honor his memory." "Our only comfort comes in the fact that our Luke is finally free and at peace," they concluded.

Many celebrities from the music and entertainment world have paid respect to Bell. Singer-songwriter Margo Price tweeted "thoughts on Luke Bell" and also wrote about the stigma regarding mental health.

Jessica Chastain wrote, "This is so very sad. I wish  we spoke more about mental ilness. It needs the same support of any other disease."