Adam Lee Ramey, the 31-year-old lead vocalist and founding member of the nu-metal band Dropout Kings, tragically passed away on May 19, 2025, just days before his 32nd birthday. His death was confirmed by the band and his family, who revealed that Ramey died by suicide after a prolonged battle with addiction.
Born on May 24, 1992, Ramey was instrumental in forming Dropout Kings in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2016, following the dissolution of his previous band, The Bad Chapter.
The band, initially known as Phoenix Down, gained recognition for their fusion of rap and metal, drawing comparisons to acts like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. They released three albums: *AudioDope* (2018), *GlitchGang* (2021), and *Riot Music* (2023), along with several singles such as “Unholy” and “Glitch Gang,” which amassed millions of streams.
Ramey was celebrated for his dynamic stage presence and heartfelt lyrics, which resonated deeply with fans. His recent collaborations included features on tracks like “Enemy” with Hurricane on Saturn and “BLACKOUT” with Nini Music & NiNi, released in 2024.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Ramey was a devoted husband to his wife, Jamie, and a father to their 18-month-old son, Jude. In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support his family with funeral expenses and to establish a college fund for his son. As of May 21, the campaign had raised over \$40,000 of its \$60,000 goal.
The Dropout Kings expressed profound grief over Ramey's death, honoring his legacy and the indelible impact he had on their music and lives. They described him as a brother whose passion and energy shaped the band's journey and touched countless lives.
Ramey's untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for those struggling with addiction and emotional distress.
