Singer Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down performs at 2023 FOX & Friends' Summer Concert Series on May 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Brad Arnold, founding member and lead singer of 3 Doors Down, has died at the age of 47.
On Saturday, the band announced that Arnold died peacefully in his sleep that morning, surrounded by his wife, Jennifer Sanderford, and family, following his kidney cancer diagnosis.
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What they're saying:
"With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47," the band announced on social media. "With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.
"As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners. Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on."
"Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him," they wrote. "Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends."
The backstory:
Arnold revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, forcing the band to cancel its tour as he underwent treatment.
The Mississippi native said he sought medical attention after falling ill and was diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma that had metastasized to his lung.
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Formed in the mid-1990s, 3 Doors Down currently consists of Arnold, Chet Roberts, Justin Biltonen, Chris Henderson and Greg Upchurch.
Original member Matt Roberts died of an overdose in 2016.
Arnold wrote one of the band’s signature songs, the 2000 hit "Kryptonite," while still in high school, according to TMZ. He is now the only founding member still with the band.
What is clear cell renal cell carcinoma?
Dig deeper:
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer and occurs at roughly twice the rate in men as in women, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While it can develop without a clear cause, factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and kidney disease may increase the risk.
The Source: FOX News contributed to this report. Information in this story was sourced from a statement shared by 3 Doors Down on the band’s official social media accounts, including Facebook, announcing Brad Arnold’s death and reflecting on his life and legacy. This story was reported from Los Angeles.