Texas country singer-songwriter Kylie Rae Harris died in an accident near Taos in northern New Mexico on Wednesday night, September 4. She was 30 years old.
Harris’s car was involved in a crash with two other vehicles. One of the other vehicles was driven by a 16-year-old female from San Cristobal, N.M., while the driver of the third vehicle was unidentified. Harris and the 16-year-old female died in the accident, but the third unidentified driver escaped without injuries, according to Taos News.
The accident reportedly occurred at about 9 p.m. local time at Milepost 1 of State Road 522.
She was visiting Taos for a show on Thursday night at Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival.
“We are heartbroken to confirm that Kylie Rae Harris passed away in a car accident last night,” Harris’ publicist said in a statement. “Everyone that knew Kylie knew how much she loved her family and, beyond that, how much she loved music. The best tribute to her unmatched enthusiasm for both is to spread as much love as you can today, and listen to music that fully inspires you.”
According to Billboard, the Taos County Sheriff’s Office said they suspected alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Harris posted on Twitter hours before she died
Harris posted to her Twitter and Instagram accounts just before she died.
Her post to Twitter on Wednesday at about 3:05 p.m. local time reveals that her car was low on gas and that she was worried about being stranded in New Mexico.
https://twitter.com/KylieRH/status/1169340654675267584
She posted a tearful Instagram story while driving before the crash
Kylie published a tearful Instagram story only hours before she died. The video titled “Heart to Heart Ahead” shows her sharing with her fans while driving.
“I’m alright, I look a mess. It’s ‘cos I’ve been crying. It’s OK, though.. um… It’s a good cry,” she says in the video. “I just got to Taos, New Mexico. and I’m playing this festival here called [Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival].”
“For those of you who don’t know, I spent the last 20 years of my life coming to Taos with my dad, my sisters, my grandparents lived here, my uncle still lives here,” she continues. “But basically, literally, everybody that was here has passed away, except for my uncle, and including my dad, and.. Oh my god… [she starts crying]… sorry…”
“I’ve been driving for almost 12 hours, and you would think that’s so exhausting and boring,” she says after regaining her composure. “But like the last couple of hours, like driving through the mountains… and just like remembering my place in the back seat, as a little kid… and I started getting really sad.”
She then went on to talk about an incident that happened many years ago when she was about “ten or twelve.” She was in the car while her dad was driving and they had hit a cow.
Tributes pour in on Twitter
People have been paying tribute on Twitter and other social media platforms.
Rest In Peace Kylie Rae Harris. You were the life of the party, a downright sweetheart, and always so kind to me and everyone around. You will forever be missed. @KylieRH
— Chris Colston (@Chris_Colston_) September 5, 2019
She shined a light brighter than most. https://t.co/hZv2NDu5Ti
— Austin Meade (@Austin_Meade) September 5, 2019
Rest in Peace should reserved for those older than us. My heart is broken this morning for @KylieRH and her family.
— Josh Grider (@joshgrider) September 5, 2019
I am devastated by the loss of my friend Kylie Rae Harris. When she sang joy and soul ached out. She was full of life and love. Words are hard to come by, tears are not. Godspeed, Kylie Rae pic.twitter.com/bjrmrwLwBc
— Radney Foster (@RadneyFoster) September 5, 2019
My heart is absolutely broken right now to hear about Kylie Rae Harris passing away. I said for years she was one of my favorite voices ever. The world lost an amazing voice and even better woman. God, please be with her friends, family, and especially little Corbie right now. pic.twitter.com/Af5wEB5kuL
— Adam Drake (@TheAdamDrake) September 5, 2019
Terribly sad news this morning. RIP Kylie Rae Harris, you were taken away from us far too soon. God bless your family, we'll be praying for them.
I'll be playing her two ep's uninterrupted today in the 6 o'clock hour.— Craig Vaughn (@craigontheair) September 5, 2019
Who was Kylie Rae Harris?
Harris was a native of Wylie, Texas. She had been singing since she was a child and wrote her first song when she was only 14.
She released her first EP titled Taking It Back in 2013. She won the 2014 Texas Regional Radio Music Awards Female Vocalist of the Year. Most recently, she released her latest self-titled EP in March.
She is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Corbie.