Adam Ramey obit

Dropout Kings Vocalist Adam Ramey Dies by Suicide at 31 as Bandmates Pay Tribute: 'Thank You for Everything'

In a GoFundMe set up by Ramey's sister-in-law, she wrote that he died "after a long and painful battle with addiction" 

He was not on the list.

Adam Ramey, founding member and vocalist of Dropout Kings, died on Monday, May 19. He was 31.

The rap metal band, formed in Phoenix, announced Ramey's death in an emotional post shared to Instagram the same day. In a GoFundMe set up by Ramey's sister-in-law, she wrote that he died by "suicide after a long and painful battle with addiction."

In the band's Instagram post, as fellow members Eddie "Black Cat Bill" Wellz, Rob Sebastian and Jeremy Garcia paid tribute to Ramey.

"Life comes at you in ways you can never predict," began the note, posted alongside several photos of the band from over the years. "The rollercoaster of chasing your dreams and building with your brothers and friends is a joy few get to know in the most genuine sense and one we were beyond blessed to experience with one another as Dropout Kings."

The band continued, "Even still, we cannot always expect things to go the way we dream nor can we understand just how special each moment with our friends and family are until those moments are memories."

"With the heaviest hearts, we share that our brother, Adam Ramey has passed away," continued the three musicians. "His passion, energy, and love for music shaped Dropout Kings and touched countless lives."

Dropout Kings expressed feeling "devastated to say the least" and noted that Ramey's "spirit, charisma and energy will not only forever inspire us, but will push us into the future to be the best that we can."

They added, "We appreciate you all during this time and know he absolutely did as well for all the times we’ve shared. Thank you for everything, Chip."

The post concluded with a direct note to Ramey: "Rest in power, Adam. We’ll always love you more than any words can say fam."

He's survived by wife Jamie and son Jude, 18 months.

Ramey's sister-in-law's GoFundMe states he died "five days before his 32nd birthday."

"Adam wasn’t just my brother-in-law. He was like a real brother to me. He saved my life during one of my darkest times and always showed up for the people he loved. He brought life and energy to every room, every family gathering, and every stage he stepped on," she wrote.

In a 2018 interview with Heavy Music HQ, Ramey explained Dropout Kings began following the disbandment of his former group, The Bad Chapter, when he and Wellz covered a Linkin Park song on YouTube. "It got a great reaction so I turned it into a band and the rest is history," he said at the time.

Elsewhere in the interview, he spoke about his introductions to music: "Basically, as a kid I had no real hobbies. I liked listening to music and loved learning all the words. I really liked writing. Around high school I started playing drums and learned vocals. I started playing in bands. And after a lot of perseverance I’m here now!"

Dropout Kings has released three full-length projects: 2018's Audiodope, 2021's GlitchGang and 2023's Riot Music. The band released its latest single, "Poison Run," with Hopsydian in January.

According to Dropout Kings' website, the band is scheduled to perform a series of tour dates throughout North America and Europe from May through August.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.