Avril Lavigne Responds br to Rumors That She Died In 2003, conspiracy theories started to circulate that the singer took her own life. According to that theory, upon her br passing, Lavigne was replaced by a br body double named Melissa Vandella. On Wednesday, the singer did an br interview with Australia's KISS 106.5 br and addressed the conspiracy. Australia's KISS 106.5, to Avril Lavigne Avril Lavigne, to Australia's KISS 106.5 Lavigne's 5-year-hiatus was largely due to her ongoing battle with Lyme disease. Despite rumors that she br doesn't exist, Lavigne recently released br the new single, "Head Above Water.