Michelle Laroque Was the Mother of Steve Harwells Only Known Child
Isabella Bartlett
Published Feb 16, 2026
Despite her former partner's luck, Michelle Laroque has led a life out of the public eye. However, in 2001, she and Steve Harwell made headlines after suffering a super tragedy: losing their child.
Michelle Laroque's former spouse, Steve Harwell, made a name for himself as a musician and as the frontman of the legendary rock band Smash Mouth. Following his luck, the public was inquisitive about different areas of his existence, together with his love life.
However, little is known about Michelle Laroque, as throughout her courting with the rock superstar and following their breakup, she instructed transparent of the limelight. But sadly, in 2001, the world was let in on a sorrowful time in the former couple's life.
Steve Harwell on degree at The Park at The Grove on July 20, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Michelle Laroque and Her Former Partner Lost Their Son to Cancer
In 2001, Michelle and Steve's son, Presley Scott Harwell, was not even 365 days previous when he died of acute lymphocytic leukemia. According to reports, Michelle's ex was on tour when his son fell seriously sick at Sunrise Children's Hospital in Las Vegas.
Presley eventually kicked the bucket due to complications from his cancer analysis. The rock star's band needed to cancel some of their scheduled appearances and presentations, and a representative of the band shared:
"They're taking it one day at a time."
Steve Harwell and Michelle Laroque at the 2000 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Michelle Laroque's Ex Had a Restraining Order Filed towards Him
Michelle has mostly stayed clear of the highlight over the years. As a consequence, little is known about her relationship with Steve — who founded The Presley Scott Research Foundation for Leukemia, a now inactive research foundation in honor of their overdue son the year he died — and when they broke up.
However, a few years in the past, her ex proved he was in a position to transport on after proposing to his female friend, Esther Campbell. But issues took a flip for the worse shortly after, as in 2019, Esther sought a restraining order against Steve after he exhibited "threatening behavior."
Steve Harwell at the WCBS FM Shannon In The Morning Summer Blastoff on May 25, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
According to Esther, Michelle's ex's ingesting had gotten out of hand, leading him to grow to be verbally and mentally abusive. She alleged that Steve had stolen and destroyed her phone and left her automobile windows open in the rain after stealing her automobile keys.
Reports showed in 2020 that the courts had granted Esther a brief restraining order, which required Steve to stop contacting her and stay 2 hundred yards away.
Steve Harwell at the 1998 Fairway to Heaven Golf Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Michelle Laroque's Former Partner Died in His Home
In felony documents, Esther claimed that during early 2020, Steve's ingesting had gotten better after his visit to a rehabilitation middle. However, the singer reportedly relapsed, and issues worsened.
After a "chaotic" live performance and struggling "numerous symptoms directly linked with his current medical situation," Michelle's ex's representatives confirmed that he was retiring from tune. They shared:
"Steve has been dealing with long-term medical issues over the last eight years [...]. As of today, Steve will be retiring from Smash Mouth to focus on his physical and mental health."
Steve Harwell functioning at The Park at The Grove on July 20, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Michelle's former spouse's well being further deteriorated, and on September 3, 2023, Steve Harwell's manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed that the rock superstar's years of alcohol abuse had observed him endure liver failure. "Steve is resting at home and being cared for by his fiancé [Esther Campbell] and hospice care," Robert revealed.
However, on September 4, 2023, Robert confirmed that Steve had died from liver failure at his home in Boise, Idaho. At the time of his dying, he was surrounded via friends and family and reportedly "passed peacefully and comfortably."
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