In a heartbreaking turn of events, Steve Harwell, the former longtime frontman of Smash Mouth, is reportedly on his death bed after entering hospice care. At only 56 years old, his battle with alcohol addiction has taken a toll on his health, ultimately leading to liver failure.
Early Success and Struggles
Steve Harwell’s journey in the music industry was not without its ups and downs. As the lead vocalist of Smash Mouth, he experienced the thrill of performing in front of sold-out arenas and living out his childhood dream. However, behind the scenes, Harwell was battling with alcohol addiction.
Collapsing at a Concert
In 2016, Harwell’s health took a severe hit when he collapsed on stage during a concert. This incident served as a wake-up call, highlighting the detrimental effects of his addiction on his physical well-being.
Heart Problems and Cardiomyopathy
Following his collapse at the concert, Harwell sought medical treatment for heart problems in 2017. He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition that impairs the heart’s ability to pump efficiently. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a series of medical setbacks for the talented musician.
Acute Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
In addition to his heart condition, Harwell faced another medical challenge. Acute Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a condition that affects motor functions such as speech and memory, further complicated his health struggles. This neurological disorder posed significant obstacles for Harwell, both on stage and in his everyday life.
Slurred Words and Retirement
In 2021, during a performance, Harwell shocked fans when he slurred his words and cursed at them. It was a heartbreaking moment for both Harwell and his dedicated fanbase. Following this incident, he made the difficult decision to retire from the music industry. Harwell expressed gratitude to his bandmates and loyal fans, acknowledging their support throughout his career.
Final Stage of Liver Failure
As his health continued to deteriorate, Harwell reached the final stage of liver failure. This devastating development marked a turning point, leading him to enter hospice care. The effects of his lifelong battle with alcohol addiction had taken a toll on his liver, leaving him with limited time to live.
Home Hospice Care
Harwell’s hospice care is being administered at home, allowing him to spend his remaining days in a familiar and comfortable environment. Loved ones have been visiting him in recent days to say their final goodbyes, providing support and companionship during this difficult time.
Loved Ones Coming By
In the face of such a heart-wrenching situation, loved ones have come by to spend precious moments with Harwell. They have gathered to offer their support, share memories, and say their final goodbyes. These visits serve as a reminder of the impact Harwell has had on the lives of those around him.
A Week Left to Live
Harwell’s manager has estimated that he has approximately a week left to live. This limited time frame has brought a mix of emotions for those close to him. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and cherishing the moments they have left with the beloved musician.
Living Out the Dream
From a young age, Steve Harwell had dreamed of being a rockstar and performing in front of sold-out arenas. He was fortunate enough to see that dream become a reality, experiencing the thrill and excitement of the music industry. Harwell’s journey was filled with highs and lows, but his passion for music remained unwavering.
Honoring Bandmates and Fans
In his retirement statement, Harwell expressed his gratitude to his bandmates, acknowledging their collaboration and the incredible journey they embarked on together. He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the loyal and amazing fans who made it all possible. Harwell’s physical and mental health struggles prevented him from performing one last time, but he remains grateful for the support he received throughout his career.
