'Voice' Contestant Anthony Riles Dies At 28

Tragic news relating to The Voice. One of Season 8's contestants Anthony Riley passed away at the age of 28. The singer was found in his basement apartment and his death is allegedly a suspected suicide, according to USA Today. UPDATE: Anthony Riley’s death has been ruled a suicide by hanging by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, according to The Wrap.

Riley's blind audition on the show, where he performed James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)," was incredible. In fact, it made all four judges turn their chairs to get him. Eventually Riley went with Team Pharrell and successfully won his first battle round. But sadly he left the show after the round due to "personal" issues. Riley later confirmed with Philly.com that he left the show due to trouble with substance abuse and he went to rehab to get treatment and help. Riley even stated that NBC footed the bill for his rehab stay.

In the same interview with Philly.com, Riley stated that during his time on The Voice, he would work 14- to 16-hour days and many of those days turned lonely. "I had a lot of time to think about myself. I recognized something was getting the best of me," he said.

NBC and The Voice released this statement regarding Riley's death: "We are sad over the passing of Anthony Riley. We offer our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this very difficult time."

Check out Riley's incredible blind audition as well as his winning battle round.

Images: Screenshot/YouTube