Indie-folk singer Elliott Smith, known for his tragic and melancholic tone in music, died 22 years ago. The impact he made on the indie folk scene is truly amazing.

The singer was found dead in his apartment by his girlfriend at the time, actress Jennifer Chiba. It was reported in The Guardian that the two had gotten into an argument, ending with Chiba locking herself in the bathroom to shower. “She then heard a scream. Returning to the living room, she found Smith standing with his back to her. When he turned around, she saw a kitchen knife sticking out of his chest,” wrote The Guardian, who also reported that she refused to answer many questions, including why she pulled the knife out of his chest.

Chiba, however, was never officially charged or ruled a suspect.  Many fans had their suspicions, but the case didn’t change.

Smith was pronounced dead 20 minutes after his ambulance arrived at the hospital on Oct. 21, 2003. Plaques, walls, and paintings all dedicated to Smith popped up in the months following his death. Fans around the world came together to mourn the late singer’s tragic death.

Although Smith’s death was heartbreaking, the way fans came together to honor him was truly inspiring. “The memorial feels like a little piece of everyone’s soul came together, just for Elliott,” said Adrianna Ruelas, a former resident of Los Angeles who helped paint the Elliott Smith Tribute wall.

The impact of Smith’s death is still being felt today. “Listening to the pain of his music and realizing he’s dead was gut-wrenching,” said Zoe Aguilar Huerta, sophomore. “His lyrics touch people so deeply, and I think that feeling is amplified with his death,” she continued. Huerta and other students at Thunderbird weren’t even alive when he died, yet they’re still enjoying his music. 

“His music puts you in a mood, no matter the song–especially ‘Clementine’; that song is so sad,” said Brian Rosario, sophomore.

Smith connected with people through his music, fostering parasocial relationships throughout his fanbase. “Over on Sweet Adeline, the Elliott Smith message board, one correspondent is convinced they know the truth about the death because Smith has appeared to them in a dream and revealed all,” said Mary Lou Lord, fellow musician and longtime friend of Smith in an interview with The Guardian. Other fans suggested involving mediums for a final goodbye to the singer from beyond the grave.

Smith’s music and passion continue to live on through new artists and people. Covers of his songs by amateur musicians on apps like TikTok have blown up, introducing Smith’s music to a whole new generation of fans.