3 Doors Down founder & lead singer Brad Arnold dies aged 47 with family by his side after ‘courageous’ cancer battle

BRAD Arnold, the founder and lead singer of iconic rock band 3 Doors Down, has died after a “courageous” battle with cancer.

The 47-year-old rock star peacefully passed away in his sleep surrounded by loved ones, his bandmates said in an emotional statement.

The statement read: “With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47.

“With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”

Brad had been battling clear cell renal carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, since last May.

The disease had metastasized to his lungs and was at a stage 4 diagnosis when he first told his fans.

In an emotional video addressing his health last year, Brad bravely said: “I have no fear. I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all.”

Born in Mississippi, Brad was a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer for 3 Doors Down, which soared to fame after their hit debut single Kryptonite in 2000.

His grieving bandmates said: “Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.

“Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s.”

At the age of 15, Brad wrote the smash hit Kryptonite which quickly shot the band to stardom.

The alt-rock track soared to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the January and was released alongside their first album titled The Better Life.

Hit singles When I’m Gone and the ballad Here Without You soon followed as the band developed a legion of fans.

The post-grunge group would go on to hit their commercial peak with follow-up records Seventeen Days and a self-titled LP, both of which reached number one.

Their last record, Us and the Night, was released in 2016.

Brad was a vital part of the band’s success across their decades at the summit of rock.

“His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on,” the statement continued.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

“Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.

“The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected.

“He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”