"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member Mark Linkous took his own life today," the family said.
His four acclaimed Sparklehorse albums led him to be regarded by many as a hero of the US alternative rock scene.
His work included collaborations with Tom Waits, PJ Harvey and Danger Mouse.
His family said in the statement: "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."
Virginia-born singer-songwriter Linkous - thought to be in his 40s - released the first Sparklehorse album Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot in 1995.
The following year, he "died" for two minutes after ingesting a dangerous mix of Valium and antidepressants while supporting Radiohead on tour in the UK.
Mark Linkous
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