Kevin Bronson on March 7th, 2010

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Mark Linkous, the North Carolina-based songwriter who made music as Sparklehorse, has committed suicide, a statement on the band’s website confirmed today. He was 47. The announcement, from the Linkous family, said:

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There’s a heaven and there’s a star for you.” – March 6, 2010

Linkous died in Knoxville, Tenn., of a gunshot wound to the heart, according to news reports. He had a history of depression and in 1996 was hospitalized after overdosing on alcohol and antidepressants. Linkous released four albums as Sparklehorse, produced several others (including albums by Daniel Johnston and Nina Persson) and collaborated on many projects, including last year’s David Lynch/Danger Mouse album “Dark Night of the Soul,” which still has yet to get an official release due to legal problems. Another contributor to that project, Vic Chesnutt, died of a drug overdose last Christmas.