Brad Arnold, the lead vocalist of the rock band 3 Doors Down, died at the age of 47, the band announced on February 7, 2026. Arnold had been battling cancer. As his industry peers and fans grieve his death, many also want to know the type of cancer that Arnold was living with toward the end of his life.
In its heart-wrenching announcement confirming Arnold’s death, the band wrote that the “Kryptonite” singer “passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep.”
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the band wrote in an Instagram post on February 7. “Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s. … 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.”
Below, learn what happened to Arnold in his final days and how he died.
Arnold died after a battle with cancer. 3 Doors Down confirmed his death on February 7, 2026.
Arnold was living with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. He announced his diagnosis in a May 2025 Instagram video, and 3 Doors Down canceled its summer tour.
