Guitarist Jay Smith was found dead in an Edmonton hotel room Wednesday morning after performing with Matt Mays & El Torpedo, according to the band’s Facebook page.
A cause of death for the East Coast musician, who was in his early 30s, hasn’t been disclosed. But foul play is not suspected, the CBC reported.
Smith leaves behind two children.
“As you can all imagine, we are completely devastated,” singer Mays wrote on Facebook.
“However, in our heart of hearts we know that we need to Play on. Jay’s family as well as the band know he would have wanted it that way. All the proceeds from the remaining shows will be put into a trust for his two beautiful children,” he wrote.
Smith performed with his own band Rock Ranger from 1999 to 2007 before joining El Torpedo and later released his own solo album. He was also honoured by the East Coast Music Awards for songwriting, taking home SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for co-writing Gordie Sampson’s single We Are Young And So Is The Night.
El Torpedo played during Canadian Music Week in Toronto last week.
“Jay’s wit, charm, and unparalleled love of music will never be forgotten. He was our brother and he will live in our hearts and song forever,” Mays wrote.
Members of the Canadian music community took to Twitter to express their condolences. A sample is below:
[View the story “Guitarist Jay Smith dies in Edmonton” on Storify]
Guitarist Jay Smith dies in Edmonton
Musicians took to social media to post their condolences.
Storified by CityNews.ca· Thu, Mar 28 2013 08:42:06
Very sad to have to share this note from Matt: <a href="http://t.co/RaCpBx9xjI" class="">tinyurl.com/c5ka4r9</a>Matt Mays
Tragic news about Jay Smith….. An amazing person, musician & songwriter. Jay will be missed greatlySOCANTim
We lost a brother today. A kind, talented warm-hearted soul. Jay Smith, we are gonna miss you. Our thoughts and… <a href="http://t.co/dcl2vm57ZP" class="">fb.me/27XPEoinU</a>The Stanfields
So very sad to hear that Jay Smith from Matt Mays band has died. Heart goes out to family and east coast music community. #RIPjian ghomeshi
This breaks my heart. My sincere condolences. RT: “@MattMays: Very sad to have to share this note from Matt: <a href="http://t.co/Q1xKgivKZQ" class="">tinyurl.com/c5ka4r9</a>”Joel Plaskett
RIP Jay Smith. You will be missed by many. Our hearts go out to Jay’s family , friends and the @MattMays band and crew. #HeartbrokenMusic Nova Scotia
We love and will miss Jay Smith. He was always the brightest light in the room. Thanks for your heart and music Jay.Christina Martin
My condolences go out to the family and friends of guitarist Jay Smith who passed away this morning while on tour with @MattMays.Dave Carroll
It’s sad day in Canadian Rock and Roll. R.I.P. Jay Smith. Our thoughts go out to @MattMays and his crewThe Sheepdogs
So sorry to hear of Jay Smith’s passing. Our hearts go out to Jay’s family and The Matt Mays family. Love and Light to those going forward.The Dakota Tavern
You had such a big heart Jay, we will miss your smile and your songsTwo Hours Traffic
Waking up to some very sad news this morning. Our thoughts and love are with the family and friends of Jay Smith. #rockrangerrecordARKELLS
We will miss you Rock Ranger!!! Jay exuded love everywhere he went. All our love to his family and our brothers in arms @MattMaysSam Roberts Band
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jay Smith. He was a fantastic player and a lovely human being. He will be greatly missed.The Trews
Matt Mays and El Torpedo played at the Phoenix in Toronto on Nov. 2, 2012. Check out YouTube video of the performance below:
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