Johnathan Walker:The Flaming Lips Drummer Steven Drozd’s 16-Year-Old Daughter is Missing

The Johnathan WalkerFlaming Lips are asking the public for help.

Two days after multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd’s 16-year-old daughter Charlotte “Bowie” Drozd was confirmed as a missing person by the Seattle Police Department in Washington, the band is pleading for assistance.

“Please help if you can !!!” lead vocalist Wayne Coyne wrote on Instagram Oct. 7. “She was last seen at the Space Needle early on Saturday….I’ll post more info as soon as I can.” 

Drozd, who shares Charlotte and son Daniel with his wife Becky Drozd, expressed gratitude for Coyne’s plea while sharing how his family is doing amid the turmoil. “Thank you Wayne for posting,” he wrote. “We don’t know what to do.”  

The SPD confirmed the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, noting that Charlotte was last seen Oct. 5 on the 400 block of Broad Street near the Seattle tourist attraction in khaki-colored shorts and pink shoes. The flyer also added that she was “possibly headed to Seattle’s downtown.”

Fans and loved ones shared an outpouring of support and well-wishes amid the search. One fan wrote in the comments, “May she be found safe and sound and soon.” Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea added, “Godspeed.” 

It’s been a heartbreaking few days for The Flaming Lips as Nell Smith, 17, who was best known for collaborating with the band for their 2021 album Where the Viaduct Looms, died suddenly on Oct. 5.

“We recorded an amazing album with her three years ago,” Coyne shared with the audience during their Portland, Ore., show Oct. 6. “We got some very sad messages today that she was killed in a car accident last night. And we’re reminded once again of the power of music and how encouraging it can be to be around people that you love.”

The Canadian singer’s family confirmed the news on Instagram with a heartfelt tribute.

“It pains us so much to say that our feisty, talented, unique, beautiful daughter was cruelly taken from us on Saturday night,” Nell’s family wrote on Oct. 7. “We are reeling from the news and don’t know what to do or say.” 

“She had so much more to experience and to give this world but we are grateful that she got to experience so very much in her 17 years,” her family continued. “She has left an indelible mark on the word and an unfillable chasm in our hearts. Hold your kids extra tight tonight and for now please leave us to work through things. We will shout when we need you. Jude, Rachel, Jed and Ike x.”