Folk singer-songwriter Mark Linkous, aka Sparklehorse, reportedly took his own life on Saturday with a gunshot to the heart in Knoxville, Tennessee. Linkous, 47,  released four studio albums in his career that, while not achieving commercial success, were widely lauded by critics and industry insiders. This was Linkous' second attempt at suicide, surviving a 1996 overdose of Valium and anti-depressants. That incident left him temporarily paralyzed. Linkous' family issued the following statement on the official Sparklehorse website Saturday:

"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today," it read. "We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts. May his journey be peaceful, happy and free. There's a heaven and there's a star for you."

Linkous is survived by: wife, Teresa Linkous; mother, Gloria Hughes Thacker; father, Frederick Linkous; and stepmother, Leta; and three brothers Matt, Paul and Daniel Linkous.