Written by: Alex Green

Bassist Kevin Garcia, one of the founding members of indie legends Grandaddy has died.

Garcia, who was just 15 when he joined the band, died after suffering a massive stroke.

He was 41.

Formed in Modesto in 1992, Grandaddy are one of the most beloved outfits around. After ending a ten-year hiatus with the triumphant comeback album Last Place in March, the band had tour dates lined up through the summer.

Falling somewhere between Pavement and The Flaming Lips, Grandaddy’s discography is an ethereal blend of blurry psychedelia, sonorous and subtle choruses and idiosyncratic space jams, all punctuated by an offbeat and unforgettable poeticism.

Taking to social media, the band had this to say about Garcia’s death:

There are no accurate words to express what we need to. We are absolutely shattered to say that we lost our friend and band mate Kevin Garcia early this afternoon. He succumbed to the effects of a massive stroke. We were all able to say goodbye to him and he was surrounded by his closest friends and family here in Modesto. Kevin started playing with Grandaddy when he was fifteen. He was an actual angel. He navigated life with a grace, a generosity and a kindness that was utterly unique. And contagious. He is loved so deeply by so many. Kevin was a proud father of two children, Jayden and Gavin. He is survived by his grandmother Joan, his parents Randy and Barbara (who let us practice at their house until 2001…and who are the best), his brothers Craig and Jeff and his wife Sondra.

We’ll have more to say in the days ahead. Right now the four of us are grieving together. With great sadness and love, Grandaddy

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Garcia’s family.