Mother Of ‘Voice’ Runner-Up Lauren Duski Found Dead

Lauren Duski/Instagram

Janis Duski, the 59-year-old mother of The Voice star Lauren Duski, was found dead in Indian River, Michigan, Friday, January 5, of apparent suicide.

TMZ reports that the Tuscarora Township Police found a car “sitting on the edge of the roadway with a female in the driver’s seat slumped over” with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Officers also said that a handgun was found in the vehicle with “one round spent.” They confirmed to the outlet that the deceased was Janis Duski.

Lauren confirmed the news in a social media post Tuesday where she remembered her late mother and shared photos.

“Said goodbye to my best friend and hero this past Friday. My mom was the greatest human I’ve ever known. There was no one who loved harder. She offered her entire being — heart and soul to everyone she encountered and always held up the mirror to remind you of how wonderful and special you were,” Lauren wrote. “She set the bar above the moon. She adored her family and her grandchildren. She was an endless dreamer. brilliant. an absolute powerhouse.”

Lauren added that Janis, a dentist who specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery, was also known for her “endless wisdom, energy, wit and humor.”

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She also details some of her mom’s impressive accomplishments, such as graduating at the top of her dental school class and provide dental care to homeless and disabled military veterans. “She was selfless in every way,” Lauren wrote.

The Voice alum concluded her post by saying that she originally didn’t intend to share about her mom’s death, but felt “the most violent pull in my heart” to remind her fans not to be ashamed if they are struggling with mental health issues.

“…please talk to one another. If you’re struggling, do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and neither is talking about it,” Lauren shared. “We are all trying to navigate this beautiful, messy life. I’ve learned that even the strongest humans have a breaking point. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Minute by minute. Please do not lose hope. Trust in God. There is always another chance…and there will never be another you.”

 

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Who is Lauren Duski?

Lauren Duski appeared on The Voice‘s 12th season as a member of Team Blake. She earned a 3-chair turn for her Blind Audition performance of Jewel’s “You Were Meant For Me.”

Throughout the weeks-long competition, Duski covered country hits like Little Big Town’s “Better Man,” Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All,” “Someone Else’s Star” by Bryan White and Wynonna’s “Tell Me Why.”

She ultimately landed in second place behind the season’s winner, Chris Blue.

Hear Lauren Duski sing “The Dance” in the video below.