Singer songwriter Todd Snider dies after being 'the victim of a violent assault' and 'having trouble breathing'

American star Todd Snider, known for his witty songwriting in the folk, rock, blues, alt country, and funk genre, died just weeks after allegedly being attacked at his hotel. He was 59 years old.

The star’s team shared a statement to Snider's social media accounts, announcing that he died on Friday (November 14), weeks after he apparently suffered “severe injuries” in an assault.

“Aimless, Inc. Headquarters is heartbroken to share that our Founder, our Folk Hero, our Poet of the World, our Vice President of the Abrupt Change Dept., the Storyteller, our beloved Todd Daniel Snider has departed this world,” the message read.

The statement, which was shared yesterday (Saturday November 15) went on: “Where do we find the words for the one who always had the right words, who knew how to distill everything down to its essence with words and song while delivering the most devastating, hilarious, and impactful turn of phrases?”

“He relayed so much tenderness and sensitivity through his songs, and showed many of us how to look at the world through a different lens,” the tribute continued. “He got up every morning and started writing, always working towards finding his place among the songwriting giants that sat on his record shelves, those same giants who let him into their lives and took him under their wings, who he studied relentlessly. Guy Clark, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker.”

Earlier this month, the musician was arrested in Salt Lake City and booked on charges of disorderly conduct, threat of violence and trespassing. He was released hours later and taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries.

Hours after his release, the singer revealed online that he had been the “victim of a violent assault out of his hotel” and also announced the cancellation of his Lonesome and Then Some Tour.

"Todd will be unable to perform for an underdetermined amount of time,” a statement published on Monday November 3 read. “We deeply apologize for the cancellation and any inconvenience it causes. We appreciate your understanding as Todd receives needed medical treatment. We hope to have more information on new dates soon.”

On the day he died, however, Snider’s friends and family shared that he had had to return to hospital for further medical treatment and he had been diagnosed with walking pneumonia after he “began having trouble breathing”.

They issued a statement at the time which said: “Right now we’re asking everyone who loves Todd to hold him in your thoughts in whatever way feels right to you. Say a prayer, light a candle, roll one up, send strength, or just keep him close in your heart. You’ve carried him through so much over the years, and he needs that from all of us now more than ever."

The star moved to Nashville in the 1990s and began his career as a troubadour. In time, his 2004 album East Nashville Skyline became a key figure in the development of alt-country and Americana music.

Fans left comments of condolence on his Instagram page. One said: “We are devastated that Todd has left us way too soon. He is now in the arms of Boundless Love. We will miss you friend in so so many ways.” Another said: “Beyond (heartbroken emoji) to lose such a force of nature. Rest Easy Legend. Your tunes & tales are forever.”

At the time of writing, no official comment has yet been given in regards to Snider’s Lonesome and Then Some Tour for those who had ticket.