On the outside, it may have looked like Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell had a dazzling life filled with sold-out concerts and immense success.
But behind the scenes, the musician faced an onslaught of heartbreaking blows - including the death of his infant son, multiple failed relationships, allegations of 'verbal and mental abuse' from an ex, and ongoing battle with alcohol abuse.
It was announced that the beloved star died at the age of 56 this week after he entered the final stages of liver failure - marking the end of what had been an incredible career... and a life filled with anguish.
The All Star artist - who rose to fame in the early '90s alongside bandmates Kevin Coleman, Greg Camp, and Paul De Lisle - faced his first agonizing loss in 2001, when his six-month-old baby passed away from leukemia.
The death of their son seemed too much for Harwell and then-wife Michelle Laroque to bear, and their marriage ultimately ended in divorce.
Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell has passed away at age 56 after he entered the final stages of liver failure
As the world comes to grips with his tragic death, FEMAIL has delved into his roller-coaster love life from start to finish. He's seen with his ex-wife in 2000
While Steve did his best to keep his tumultuous personal life hidden from the world, it was thrown into the spotlight again in 2019 - when one of his exes slapped him with a restraining order, and accused him of 'harassing' her, 'drinking' excessively, 'stealing' her things, and 'threatening' her.
He also sparked concern in October 2021 when he slurred his words and verbally attacked fans during a now-infamous performance at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York.
Steve retired from singing after that, with his manager blaming a slew of health problems at the time.
He said the musician had been diagnosed with Wenicke encephalopathy, a condition that impacts motor skills and brain functionality, as well as cardiomyopathy - a life-threatening neurological disorder that can cause of whole slew of symptoms, including confusion, difficulty walking, and hypothermia.
After that, the star said goodbye to the world of touring the globe and being in the spotlight to opt for a much quieter life in Boise, Idaho - and it's been said that he even found love again.
As the world comes to grips with his sad passing, FEMAIL delved into his roller-coaster love life - from the shocking allegations his ex made about him to the new woman he was dating when he died.
Who was Steve Harwell's ex-wife Michelle Laroque and did the pair have kids? The Smash Mouth lead singer tragically lost his son to leukemia at only six months old
Steve was married to a woman named Michelle Laroque for many years (seen together in 2000), but because she's extremely private, very little is known about their relationship
Their son died in 2001 from complications from acute lymphocytic leukemia at only six months old, and they got divorced sometime after that. Steve is seen with his bandmates in 1997
Steve was married to a woman named Michelle Laroque for many years, but because she's extremely private, very little is known about their relationship.
They welcomed a baby boy together, named Presley, in January 2001 - but he sadly passed away from complications from acute lymphocytic leukemia at only six months old.
Billboard reported at the time that the couple only learned that the youngster was sick days before he died.
'They're taking it one day at a time,' a representative told the outlet of how Steve and Michelle were handling the shock passing.
Steve and Michele did not have any other children together. They quietly went their separate ways at some point after that, but because they're so private, it's not known when they split up.
What happened with Steve Harwell and his ex-fiancée, Esther Campbell? She accused the musician of 'verbal and mental abuse' and filed a restraining order against him in 2020
In September 2019, news hit the web that a woman named Esther Campbell had filed for a restraining order against the musician, who is seen above five years prior, in 2014
In September 2019, news hit the web that a woman named Esther Campbell had filed for a restraining order against the musician.
In May 2020, she filed documents that alleged Steve had been 'verbally and mentally abusive' to her during their relationship. Steve is seen in 2021
TMZ reported at the time that the two had gotten engaged one month prior after a year of dating.
But according to court documents obtained by the publication, Esther claimed Steve 'began bombarding her with harassing texts and calls' and was partaking in 'threatening behavior' following the proposal. She also said 'his drinking [had] gotten out of hand.'
Then, in May 2020, she filed new documents that alleged Steve had been 'verbally and mentally abusive' to her during their relationship, TMZ reported.
She claimed he 'stole her car keys' and 'phone' and described the Smash Mouth star as 'vindictive, angry, vile, and mean.'
Esther also alleged that he was bipolar and that he had stopped taking medication for the mental disorder. A judge granted her a temporary restraining order.
Who is Steve Harwell's current partner Annette Jones? He had been quietly dating her for two years - and she was by his side when he passed away this week
Steve started dating a woman named Annette Jones in 2021, and they were gearing up to walk down the aisle together when he sadly passed away at age 56 on Monday. He's seen in 2021
Steve started dating a woman named Annette Jones in 2021, and the two have been happily in love ever since.
They were gearing up to walk down the aisle together when he sadly passed away at aged 56 on Monday.
It's been said that he was being cared for by his fiancée at the time of his death, and that he died 'peacefully and comfortably' at his home in Boise.
Unfortunately, very little is known about his and Annette's romance as they stayed completely out of the public eye.
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