Remembering Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison

Scott Hutchison, lead singer and guitarist of Scottish band Frightened Rabbit, has died at age 36. He disappeared Wednesday afternoon in what his bandmates called "a fragile state," prompting a search by police and calls for his safe return by his friends, family, and fans all over the world. His body was recovered last night in South Queensferry, Scotland.

As a child, Scott was a "frightened rabbit," as his mother put it. He grew up a shy and creative introvert and eventually put his artistic talent to use at the Glasgow School of Art, where he studied illustration.

In 2003, Scott, along with his brother Grant, took his childhood nickname to the stage, and by 2006 Frightened Rabbit had released their debut album, Sing The Greys. In a quiet way, Scott's songwriting was revolutionary. His lyrics spoke to sadness, to awkwardness, to real life in a way that resonated with people all over the world, and with the 2008 release of The Midnight Organ Fight, Frightened Rabbit's reach became such.

It's been 10 years since the release of their true breakout album. Stereogum's Ryan Leas revisited Organ Fight earlier this year, and gave a spotlight to Frightened Rabbit's strengths. "Scott proved himself to be a special talent," he wrote, "able to dance from gut-punch melancholia to self-laceration alternatively wry and depressed, to working his way into lyrics that unfolded unexpectedly with as much dry wit as wasted 20-something almost-wisdom."

Fans everywhere have expressed their sadness, their hope, and their support since his disappearance. Redditor heynongmanreset said "I think there was such a catharsis for me as an anxious person in having bands like this that weren't afraid to describe the utter shit that life sometimes feels like." tautou4 echoed that sentiment: "Scott’s confirmed passing is hitting me like a ton of bricks. I battle my depression on a daily basis. And it hurts to know that Scott lost his battle, but it doesn’t mean that we should stop fighting ours."

We echo that sentiment. Truly great art often comes from some of the darkest struggles, but that doesn't mean anyone has to suffer alone. There is never any shame in seeking help, be it from friends, family, or professionals. If you are struggling or you know someone who is, here are some resources that can help. These can be accessed 24/7. Behind them you'll find trained and caring individuals.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: text CONNECT to 741741 in the United States.

Local Crisis Numbers:

• Clermont County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline - (513) 528-SAVE (7283)

• Clermont County Mobile Crisis Team 513-218-9800

• (513) 281- CARE (2273) - Hamilton County 24 hr. line

• Psychiatric Emergency Services and Mobile Crisis Unit, (513) 584-8577

• Children/Adolescent Emergency (513) 636-4124 Children's Hospital Psychiatric Response Center

• (513) 558-8888 , Mental Health Access Point

• 911

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