Former Weezer bassiest Mikey Welsh has died “unexpectedly” at the age of 40, according to a Tweet posted by his family on his Twitter account.
The statement on Twitter.com/mikeywelsh71 said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Mikey Welsh passed away unexpectedly. He will forever be remembered as an amazing father, artist, and friend. May he rest in peace.”
The band paid their respects on their own Twitter account (@Weezer) writing: "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news, our friend and fellow Weezer rocker @mikeywelsh71 has passed away. We love you Mikey."
According to NME, the Cook County medical examiner's office revealed that Welsh was found unresponsive on his Chicago hotel room floor at 2.50 pm yesterday, Saturday October 8.
Current bassist Scott Shriner later added his own tribute to Welsh, from his Twitter page (@sgs711): "Really bummed about Mikey. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Such a talent... he made a special mark on the world with his art."
Drummer Patrick Wilson also wrote on his own Twitter page (@patrickwilson): "Rest in peace Mikey Welsh, you deserve it."
The cause of Welsh's death is yet to be determined.
He joined the band in 2000 after original bassist Matt Sharp left in 1998.
He began playing with Weezer in 2000, after the original bassist, Matt Sharp left, until August 2001 and appeared on hits from their self-titled album that year, including Island In The Sun and Hash Pipe.
In his later years he dedicated himself to painting and he worked on large-scale figures and abstracts.
On September 26, he tweeted the following message: “dreamt i died in chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). need to write my will today. [sic]”
