Before fans could see him return to European stages, the life of Dropout Kings’ frontman came to a sudden end — leaving behind unanswered questions, global tributes, and a family navigating unimaginable grief.
Adam Lee Ramey, the lead vocalist of the rock/rap band Dropout Kings, has died at the age of 31. The band confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement posted to their official Facebook page on May 20, 2025.
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In the post, the group remembered Adam as someone whose “passion, energy, and love for music shaped Dropout Kings and touched countless lives.”
While the full cause of death was not initially disclosed in the band’s announcement, they acknowledged their immense sorrow, writing, “We’re devastated to say the least, but Adam’s spirit, charisma and energy will not only forever inspire us, but will push us into the future to be the best that we can.”
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The tribute emphasized the deep bond the members shared, describing their journey together as one of building dreams and brotherhood.
“Even still, we cannot always expect things to go the way we dream nor can we understand just how special each moment with our friends and family are until those moments are memories,” the post read.
Further details were provided on a GoFundMe campaign organized by Adam’s sister-in-law. The post stated, “On May 19th, just five days before his 32nd birthday, we lost Adam Ramey—beloved husband, father, son, and lead vocalist of Dropout Kings—to suicide after a long and painful battle with addiction.”
She wrote personally about their bond. “Adam wasn’t just my brother-in-law. He was like a real brother to me. He saved my life during one of my darkest times and always showed up for the people he loved.” She also highlighted Adam’s lively presence, recalling how he “brought life and energy to every room, every family gathering, and every stage he stepped on.”
Beyond his role in the music scene, Adam was remembered as a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind his 29-year-old wife, Jamie, and their 18-month-old son, Jude. The GoFundMe page described him as “a proud father” and someone who deeply loved his family and friends.
The campaign aims to raise funds for funeral expenses, immediate financial support for his widow, and to establish a college fund for his son. As of May 23, it has raised $52,834 of its $60,000 goal, with more donations expected to pour in soon.
“Now Jamie is left grieving the love of her life while raising their baby boy alone,” the page reads. “She’s facing not only unimaginable heartbreak but also the financial weight of funeral expenses and legal costs.”
Adam’s path to music began early. In a 2018 interview with Heavy Music HQ, he shared how he gravitated toward music in his youth, drawn first to lyrics and songwriting.
With time, he learned to play drums and developed his vocal skills. By high school, he was performing in bands. His story, as he put it, was shaped by “a lot of perseverance.”
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In 2016, Adam co-founded Dropout Kings. The band quickly made waves by blending elements of heavy metal, hip hop, and trap into a sound they dubbed “Trap Metal.”
They signed with Napalm Records before ever performing live — a testament to their potential — and released their debut album, AudioDope, in 2018. Songs like “Scratch & Claw” and “Going Rogue” showcased their lyrical intensity and musical innovation.
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In the years that followed, the band continued to evolve, releasing the GlitchGang EP and signing with Suburban Noize Records in 2021. Their work attracted a growing fan base and earned millions of streams across platforms.
Adam’s connection with his bandmates extended beyond music. In an October 2024 video, fellow band member Black Cat Bill reflected on their first meeting, “The first day I met Adam… we hung out for like 30, 45 minutes and like all the same [expletive], so we were just kind of like, ‘Yo. Are we best friends? I think we are.'”
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That instant bond would shape years of collaboration and camaraderie. He also spoke about the experience of growing with the band and touring internationally, describing it as something special and unforgettable.
Earlier this month, Dropout Kings were announced as special guests for a major European tour set to begin in late July 2025. They were scheduled to perform alongside acts like Attila, Crystal Lake, and Angelmaker, with dates across Germany, Italy, Poland, and other countries.
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Away from the stage, Adam embraced fatherhood and family life with deep gratitude. His social media posts revealed a man proud of his role as a husband and father.
A post from Easter 2024 showed him with his wife, Jamie, and their young son, Jude, captioned, “Praise to the most high 🙏 thankful for all my blessings and grateful for this family and life of mine. Happy Easter errbody [sic].”
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His love and admiration for Jamie were clear in a May 2024 Mother’s Day post, where he honored her as a first-time mom. “Happy 1st mothers day to the strongest woman I know!” he penned.
He called her “the purest most genuine person” and expressed how proud and honored he felt to call her his wife and the mother of his child. “You amaze and inspire me every single day,” he added, “and I’m grateful to just be in awe of you.”
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His reflections on fatherhood were equally heartfelt. After the birth of their son, Jude, on October 22, 2023, Adam posted, “30+ hours of active labor was so worth our greatest accomplishment. Your mom and I love you so much already. Can’t wait to see the man you turn into 🥰.”
In the same message, he praised his wife’s resilience, “Women are the most badass things on the planet and I love my wife so much for being an absolute soldier 😭🙏.”
He also extended gratitude to family and friends for their help during the delivery, noting, “Couldn’t have done it without you all!”
Another Instagram moment from May 27, 2024, showed a light-hearted family outing, “Aquarium hangs w/ my lil family 🖤 🐠,” he captioned, underscoring the joy he found in simple moments with his loved ones.
In a reflective post shared on July 18, 2024, following a European tour, Adam opened up about his personal growth, challenges, and hopes for his son’s future. He expressed deep gratitude for his family and the life he had built, emphasizing the importance of perspective and resilience.
He wrote about the lessons he had learned from life’s difficulties, stating that even the toughest moments shaped him into someone he was finally proud to be. His vision for his little boy was clear. “All I want for my son is for him to be a good man. I don’t care what he does. He just needs to be that and I’ll always be proud.”
Encouraging others to believe in themselves and their worth, he concluded with a powerful message. “No one is going to have a place for you, so you have to make your own. It’s worth it, trust me. YOU’RE worth it.”
Adam’s passing marks a profound loss for his family, bandmates, and fans. As a pioneering artist, devoted husband, and loving father, his impact extended beyond music. While his journey was marked by both struggle and strength, the legacy he leaves behind — in sound, in family, and spirit — continues to resonate.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
