Phil Lesh’s cause of death has become a topic of discussion following the sad news that the Grateful Dead founding member has passed away.
The longtime bassist for the legendary jam band was 84 years old.
News of Lesh’s passing was revealed on his official Instagram page on Friday afternoon.
A Sad Day For Deadheads
“Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning,” read the statement.
“He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love. We request that you respect the Lesh family’s privacy at this time.”
Within minutes, thousands of comments had poured in from fans. Many of them expressed their sympathy through beloved Grateful Dead lyrics.
“What a beautiful life he lived,” one fan wrote.
“Such a long long time to be gone and such a short time to be there,” another commented, referencing the song “Box of Rain.”
“Fare you well, fare you well. I love you more than words can tell. Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul,” a third chimed in (quoting the band’s “Brokedown Palace”), adding:
“Rest Easy Phil. You can jam with Jerry, Pigpen and Brent again!”
The last part referred to Lesh’s late bandmates. Jerry Garcia, Ron “Pigpen” Kerman, and Brent Mydland, all passed away at early ages.
“A joker, a prankster, a thunder-bomb thrower, a rainmaker, a box builder, a headband wearer,” a fourth fan observed.
“A rocker of tie-dyes, a weaver of chains, broken and unbroken, already on the four winds and probably safely home at that. His memory is a blessing.”
Phil Lesh’s Cause of Death
There’s been no official word on Lesh’s cause of death. But based on the above statement from his family, it sounds as though he went peacefully, and his passing was not unexpected.
Lesh received a liver transplant in 1998 following a hepatitis C infection.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, but he revealed the following year that he had undergone successful treatment.
A Life Well-Lived
In addition to his work with the Grateful Dead, Lesh performed in such off-shoot projects as the Other Ones, the Dead, and Phil Lesh and Friends.
He was a role model to countless musicians, including John Mayer, with whom he performed for several years.
Our thoughts to out to Phil’s loved ones during this difficult time.