Steve Harwell, the lead singer of Smash Mouth, died from acute liver failure on September 4, 2023, at the age of 56
. He had struggled with alcoholism for much of his life, which contributed to his declining health, including a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and a neurological condition affecting his memory and speech
. Harwell had retired from performing in 2021 due to these ongoing physical and mental health issues
. His acute liver failure was the final cause of death, and he was in hospice care at his home in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by family and friends when he passed
. Acute liver failure is a rare but life-threatening condition where the liver rapidly loses function, often linked to factors such as alcohol abuse, medication overdose, or viral infections
. Harwell's death highlights the serious risks associated with liver disease and the importance of awareness and prevention
