Skylar Lynnae Neil was the cherished and only biological child of rock legend Vince Neil Wharton and his second wife, Sharise Ruddell.
Skylar’s life was tragically cut short. Despite Vince’s rough past, the loss of his beloved daughter was the most heart-wrenching chapter of his life.
Vince and his devoted fans continue to mourn Skylar’s untimely death, recognizing it as a parent’s worst nightmare.
This article will explore Skylar’s life, her famous parents, the circumstances surrounding her passing, and the impact of this devastating loss.
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Quick Bio
| Full Name | Skylar Lynnae Neil |
| Famous as | Vince Neil’s Daughter |
| Occupation | Celebrity Child |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Chatsworth, California, United States |
| Age at the Time of Death | 4 |
| Date of Death | August 15, 1995 |
| Place of Burial | Forest Lawn, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Father | Vince Neil’s |
| Mother | Sharise Ruddell |
| Siblings | Neil Jason Wharton and Elizabeth Ashley Wharton |
| half-sibling | Colt Seigel |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Skylar Lynnae Neil’s Early Life
Vince Neil’s daughter, Skylar, was born on March 26, 1991. She came into a diverse heritage with Mexican roots from her mother and Native American ancestry from her father.
Skylar grew up in Chatsworth, California, surrounded by the affection of her famous parents. Neil Jason Wharton and Elizabeth Ashley Wharton were her half-siblings.
Tragically, Skylar’s promising life was abruptly cut short, leaving a void in the lives of the people that had surrounded her upbringing.
Skylar Lynnae Neil’s Father: Vince Neil
Vincent Neil Wharton gained fame as the lead vocalist of the iconic heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. He held his position from the band’s beginning in 1981 until his departure in 1992.
Neil returned after a hiatus in 1996 and remained with Mötley Crüe until their retirement in 2015. Following a reunion in 2018, Neil has actively participated in the band’s journey.
Beyond his music career, Neil has ventured into diverse fields and is recognized for his philanthropic contributions. He has a multifaceted and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Skylar Lynnae Neil’s Mother: Sharise Ruddell
Skylar’s mother, Sharise Ruddell, is a former mud wrestler and fashion model. In 1987, she married Vince Neil, and the couple welcomed Skylar four years later.
However, by 1993, the couple had parted ways. As Skylar faced her final moments, Sharise and Neil were on the verge of finalizing their divorce.
The timing of her parents’ divorce adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding Skylar’s tragically shortened life.
Skylar Lynnae Neil’s Siblings
Skylar’s father, Vince Neil, had four children. Neil Jason Wharton, Vince’s firstborn son, was born on Oct 3, 1978. Neil was the result of Vince’s relationship with ex-girlfriend Tami.
Elizabeth Ashley Wharton, Vince’s older surviving sister, was born in 1983 to his first wife, Beth Lynn.
On the other hand, After parting ways with Vince Neil, Sharise Ruddell welcomed her son, Colt Seigel, into the world with Kirk Seigel.
Skylar, born from Vince’s second marriage with Sharise Ruddell, was his youngest daughter. With Neil and Elizabeth as her half-siblings, Skylar held a unique place in the family of the renowned Mötley Crüe frontman.
Skylar Lynnae Neil’s Health Decline
In early April 1995, Skylar Neil’s health took a drastic turn with flu-like symptoms. Initially deemed non-serious, her pain amplified, causing a late-night rush to West Hills Medical Center.
At that moment, Vince Neil was engaged in a pro/celebrity motor race at the Long Beach Grand Prix. Sharise delivered him the news of Skylar’s hospitalization.
Initially thought to be a burst appendix, Skylar’s condition turned out to be the Wilms’ tumor, which is a pediatric kidney cancer. Multiple operations revealed the tumor’s increasing threat.
Doctors recommended Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for the complete treatment, exposing the severity of Skylar’s condition to tumors on both kidneys.
The disease spread to her liver, intestines, and back muscles during her final moments.
Skylar Lynnae Neil’s Death
Skylar’s last operation, lasting ten hours, made everyone realize that the tumor was the size of a football.
Vince Neil, in an essay for People Magazine, disclosed that Skylar’s tumor weighed around six and a half pounds.
Despite the surgical efforts, Skylar Lynnae Neil lost her battle with cancer on August 15, 1995.
Her funeral took place on August 18, when Skylar was laid to rest in a small pink casket at Forest Lawn, Los Angeles, California.
Skylar endured six operations, combined with extensive chemotherapy and four months of radiation.
Throughout this difficult journey, Neil and Sharise remained steadfast, spending countless hours by Skylar’s side in the hospital.
Vince Neil’s Tribute To Skylar Lynnae Neil
Just a month after the heartbreaking loss of his beloved daughter Lynnae, Vince Neil poured his emotions into a tribute song.
Titled “Skylar’s Song,” the heartfelt composition was included in the vocalist’s solo album, “Carved in Stone.”
Both the lyrics and the music video for the song are deeply moving, displaying the essence of the singer’s grief.
The video included clips of the beautiful moments shared between father and daughter, creating a touching homage to Skylar’s memory.
Skylar Neil’s Father’s Condition After Her Death
Vince Neil was greatly affected by the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Skylar. He candidly revealed in the years following Skylar’s passing how the incident left him traumatized.
In his 2001 memoir, “The Dirt,” he opened up about the impact of his daughter’s death, combined with his separation from Sharise.
These circumstances drove him to frustration and a destructive cycle of drug use and drinking, including a suicide attempt. However, Vince eventually sought help through therapy and counseling.
Following several sessions, he reached a point where he could visit Skylar’s grave without tears. He finds comfort in reminiscing about the laughter and joy they once shared.
Vince Neil Blamed An AeroSpace Company For Skylar’s Death
In August 1999, Vince Neil took legal action, suing Boeing North American Inc. for the tragic death of his daughter Skylar.
He attributed her cancer to the alleged illegal dumping of carcinogenic materials near their Chatsworth, California, home.
Skylar had grown up in close proximity to the factory, raising concerns about the environmental impact on her health.
The singer claimed that harmful substances like uranium and plutonium, allegedly dumped by the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, seeped into the soil, which indirectly affected Skylar.
Despite multiple efforts, his attorney struggled to prove the claims due to a lack of evidence.
Vince also acknowledged the possibility of genetics playing a role, mentioning a family history of cancer on the maternal side.
