Years of back pain , alcoholism and prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health . In 1952 , he divorced Sheppard and was dismissed by the Grand Ole Opry because of his unreliability and alcohol abuse . On New Year 's Day 1953 , he died suddenly while traveling to a concert in Canton , Ohio at the age of 29 . Despite his short life , Williams is one of the most celebrated and influential popular musicians of the 20th century , especially in regards to country music
died suddenly
Death of Hank Williams
Hank Williams