![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="360" width="640" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Mindy McCready, the country singer responsible for the hit singles “Guys Do It All the Time” and “Ten Thousand Angels,” was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Sunday. The troubled singer was the mother of two boys with different fathers, and she had a history of drug abuse and suicide attempts. Here’s what you need to know about McCready’s life and tragic passing.
1. Her Boyfriend Committed Suicide Recently
McCready’s apparent suicide comes just weeks after her live-in boyfriend and father of her baby son Zayne, David Wilson, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in January. He was found dead on his porch in Heber Springs, Arkansas, the same spot authorities would later find McCready dead.
2. She Had a History of Addiction
McCready was known to have had substance abuse problems in the past, and they led to some calamitous events in her life. She’d often had trouble keeping custody of her children, and she had spent some time in jail for actions she’d been responsible for under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs.
3. She Was on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew
McCready’s untimely passing made her the fifth past cast member of Celebrity Rehab to die after appearing on the show. She was on the show for substance addiction (namely OxyContin), and she had a drug-related seizure during the show’s filming. The other contestants to have died after their time on the show are:
• Mike Starr
• Joey Kovar
• Jeff Konaway
• Rodney King
4. She Had an Affair with Roger Clemens
McCready had a 10-year affair with baseball star Roger Clemens, whom she met when she was only 15. She said that the affair only became sexual years later, and that the athlete wouldn’t leave his wife to marry her so the relationship fizzled. The relationship was the subject of much public scrutiny.
5. She Once Falsified Her Identity to Steal Boats
In 2005, McCready falsified her identity to illegally obtain two boats, which still confounds people to this day. Not much information is available on this unlikely event, but we can assume that McCready just wanted some time on the open seas. She was found unconscious from a drug overdose that same month.
6. She Once Tried to Kill Herself While Pregnant
McCready previoulsy attempted suicide in both 2005 and 2005. One of those attempts came while she was pregnant, which stirred up a lot of attention in the media. She’d attempted suicide by overdosing on antidepressants, and another time by slashing her wrists.
7. She Spent Some Time in the Clink
McCready had spent some time in jail for various offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol and violating her probation. She was released after 60 days on good behavior. She’d also been arrested after an apparent fight with her mother.
8. Her Kids Were Already in Foster Care
McCready’s sons Zander and Zayne are currently in foster care, and they’ve changed guardianship a lot in their short lives. McCready fought to get Zander back from her own mother, and Zander’s father, Billy McKnight, is currently fighting for his custody.
9. Her Ex Says It’s Not a Surprise
McCready’s ex-boyfriend and father of her son Zander, Billy McKnight, said he was with the singer during two of her past suicide attempts, and that her death didn’t come as a surprise for him. “The demons that she hasn’t beaten were there,” he told People.
10. Her Career Was A Rollercoaster in Itself
McCready began making hit singles when she was only 18 years old. She’d graduated high school early to move to Nashville, where she was signed by BNA Records. She eventually signed to Capitol Records, who dropped her in 2002 after disappointing album sales. She would go on to appear on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and release another album in 2010.