how did the lead singer of 3 doors down died

Brad Arnold, the lead singer of 3 Doors Down, died at the age of 47 after a battle with stage 4 kidney cancer (clear cell renal cell carcinoma).

What happened?

• Brad Arnold publicly revealed in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer.

• The diagnosis led 3 Doors Down to cancel their summer tour while he underwent treatment.

• He died on Saturday, 7 February 2026, described by the band as passing peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his wife and family, after what they called a “courageous battle with cancer.”

So, to directly match your question about how he died:
He died from complications of advanced stage 4 kidney cancer, after months of treatment and declining health.

A bit of context about the band’s tragedies

• Brad Arnold was the founding vocalist and songwriter, known for hits like “Kryptonite,” “Here Without You,” and “When I’m Gone.”

• The band had already faced tragedy before: original guitarist Matt Roberts died in 2016 from a suspected prescription drug overdose.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.