​Surfer Blood's Thomas Fekete Passes Away at 27

BY Sarah MurphyPublished May 31, 2016

Surfer Blood's Thomas Fekete passed away last night (May 30) after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was 27. The sad news was shared by Fekete's wife Jessica on the crowdfunding site she had been running to finance the guitarist's treatment.
 
She revealed that her husband passed "peacefully in his sleep, holding my hand," claiming that she feels a sense of comfort "knowing that he is now free."
 
She also announced plans to honour Fekete's life with an upcoming celebration in South Florida, though details have yet to be fleshed out.
 
Read Jessica Fekete's touching message in its entirety below:
 
Our sweet Thomas passed on last night, peacefully in his sleep, holding my hand. With one last sigh, he let go of the burden of pain and suffering that he has been bravely carrying for so long. I am full of comfort knowing that he is now free, and long for the day I get to be with him again.
 
May we all carry on Thomas' legacy by being the very best versions of ourselves for the rest of our days, and do as much as we can to help others in his honor. If we can strive to be half the person Thomas was, this world will be a better place.
 
I plan to host a celebration of his life here on the beach in South Florida, the first weekend of July, just after his birthday on 1st. I will share specific details as soon as possible. I invite anyone who holds Thomas in their hearts to please join me in celebrating him.
 
It was an absolute privilege to stand next to Thomas and face this monster head on. Even as his body failed him, his mind and spirit soldiered on. Never was there a day that we weren't filled with hope. Never was there a day that he even considered throwing in the towel. He was the kind hearted, funny, fearless, magnetic beam of light you all knew him to be up until his very last breath.
 
Thomas John Fekete, I love you and live for you. Nothing will make me more proud than being able to call myself your wife.
 
Now, my beautiful angel, go find Bowie and jam.

Fekete co-founded the Florida-based band in 2009 and recorded three albums with the group, most recently releasing 1000 Palms last year.

Following the news of his illness, the indie rock community banded together and supported Fekete with a rarities compilation featuring contributions from Guided By Voices, Yo La Tengo, Real Estate, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Lou Barlow, Nick Diamond, Juliana Barwick, Cults and more.

Fekete's bandmates have since take to social media to share their condolences. Read a Facebook message from Surfer Blood below.
 


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