Adam Ramey, the powerhouse lead vocalist and co-founder of rap-metal band Dropout Kings, has died at the age of 32.
His bandmates confirmed the tragic news in a statement on May 20, sharing their grief with fans and followers online. “Life comes at you in ways you can never predict,” the group wrote. “The rollercoaster of chasing your dreams and building with your brothers and friends is a joy few get to know... With the heaviest hearts, we share that our brother, Adam Ramey, has passed away.”
A GoFundMe set up by Ramey’s sister-in-law revealed the heartbreaking details behind his death. “On May 19th, just five days before his 32nd birthday, we lost Adam Ramey—beloved husband, father, son, and lead vocalist of Dropout Kings—to suicide after a long and painful battle with addiction,” the fundraiser stated.
“Adam loved deeply. He was a devoted husband to my 29-year-old sister, Jamie, and a proud father to their 18-month-old son, Jude. He was also an incredible uncle, friend, and human being.”
Ramey formed Dropout Kings in 2016 after his previous band, The Bad Chapter, split. Alongside rapper Eddie Wellz and other collaborators, the group initially performed under the name Phoenix Down before rebranding. The band’s debut album, AudioDope, dropped in 2018, followed by Riot Music in 2023.
“His passion, energy, and love for music shaped Dropout Kings and touched countless lives,” the band’s tribute continued. “Adam’s spirit, charisma, and energy will not only forever inspire us, but will push us into the future to be the best that we can.”
They ended with a heartfelt farewell: “Thank you for everything, Chip. Rest in power, Adam. We’ll always love you, fam.”
Ramey’s last Instagram post, pinned in April 2024, showed him with his wife Jamie and son Jude. “Praise to the most high,” he wrote. “thankful for all my blessings and grateful for this family and life of mine. Happy Easter errbody.”
In July 2024, he opened up emotionally about fatherhood and his personal growth following a successful European tour. “Back at home from this amazing EU/UK run. Finally reunited with the lights of my life,” he wrote. “It brings tears to my eyes putting everything into perspective of how far I’ve come. Life can be terrifying and brutal. But, it can also be the most gratifying and beautiful thing too.”
“I’ve made so many mistakes in my life. But I truly wouldn’t change a thing—especially the terrible parts. Be thankful for the bad things. It brought me here and made me who I am now as I write this. And for once, I can actually say that I like this person.”
He ended that post with a tribute to his son: “All I want for my son is for him to be a good man. I don’t care what he does. He just needs to be that and I’ll always be proud.”
Ramey’s final show with the Dropout Kings was on February 8, 2024, at the Orpheum in Tampa, Florida. Several shows were still scheduled for the months ahead, and fans were eagerly awaiting what was next.
Alongside his music, Ramey also ran PUSH Digital Marketing, a company focused on artist promotion and management.