Kelly Fraser Dead At 26; Singer's Cause Of Death Remains Unknown

Canadian singer-songwriter Kelly Fraser has died on Thursday at the age of 26. No details about the cause of death have been announced as of this writing.

The “Stay Strong” hitmaker lived in Winnipeg City and rose to fame after releasing her own rendition of Rihanna’s hit single “Diamonds” in Inuit language. Kelly also did her versions of other popular tracks such as “Havana” by Camilla Cabello, “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, and “F****n Perfect” by P!nk. As of Dec. 2019, the Inuk pop singer has a total of 1,740 subscribers on YouTube.

In 2014, Kelly Fraser released her first album called “Isuma,” which arrived with 10 tracks. Her sophomore album was made available in 2017. Kelly hoped that “Sedna” will spread her message of love, peace, joy, hope and cultural pride to a wider audience.

"I want to make an album that blends traditional and modern music in both Inuktitut and English,” Kelly said on her official website. "I want to strengthen Inuit pride and sing about my own experiences of growing up in the Arctic. I want to inspire young people everywhere that, no matter who you are, you can succeed!" she went on.

Her first single from the second album titled “Fight for the Rights” was intended to swing the land claims vote in May 2017. “Sedna” received a Juno Award nomination under the Indigenous Music Album of the Year category at the Juno Awards 2018.

“Our love and prayers go out to Kelly Fraser’s family and friends, fellow Inuit, and the many people that were touched by her life and music,” the Juno Awards wrote on its official Twitter page on Saturday. “Rest in peace, Kelly Fraser. We will miss you.”

Avid supporters and fans of Kelly set up a GoFundMe page to help the songstress’ siblings – Rachel, Max, and Jessie – in paying for her funeral service. As of late, a total of $31,000 has been raised for the Inuk singer, who previously vowed to keep singing no matter where life brings her in the future.

"Making music, singing, performing, and teaching others is what I love," Kelly Fraser stated. "It makes me happy and helps my own self-esteem, too. I want to do everything I can for a better Nunavut,” she went on.